For
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
GENERAL LIBRARY
OCTAVIA WILLIAMS BATES
FSU BEQUEST
:
A
NARRATIVE
OF THE
TRANSACTIONS
I N
BENGAL,
FROM THE
YEAR 1760, to the YEAR 1764,
During the GOVERNMENT of
Mr. HENRY VANSITTART.
=
Publiſhed by HIMSELF.
In THREE VOLUME S.
VOL.
I.
LONDON:
Printed for J. NEWBERY, at the Bible and Sun,
in St. Paul's Church-Yard, J. DODSLEY, in
Pall Mall; and J. ROBSON, in Bond-ftreet.
MDCC LXVI.
3
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3
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485
B48
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612-10-46
Bates
Muraces"
12-6-46
57029
3√
糀
​£12.
THE
CONTENT S.
1
VOL. I.
A P
糕餅
​SECTION I.
Page
RELIMINARY obfervations on
the reftraints laid upon our Trade till
the year 1757; and the difputes with
the officers of the government, occa-
fioned by our encroachments fince that period.
7
Extract from the Company's Firmaun
7
Treaty with Meer Jaffier of 1757
19
Letters from the Reſidents at the Nabob's
Court, complaining of the agents and
gomaſtahs in the country
25
SECTION
II.
A view of the ftate of the country, and the Com-
pany's affairs, at Mr. Vanfittart's arrival in
Bengal
32
Succefs of the Shahzada, in his invafion
of Bahar
32
Bad condition of the Nabob's, and the
Engliſh forces in that province, and of
the Nabob's troops at Moorfhedabad
A 2
33
Low
ii
CONTENT S.
Low-ftate of the Company's Treaſury, and
great diſputes occafioned thereby
Diſputes concerning the fucceffion to the
offices of the Nabob's deceaſed fon
Meer Coffim comes to Calcutta
SECTION
III.
The proceedings of the Select Committee to the
Treaty concluded with Meer Coffim
Page
36
40
43
44
Meer Coffim's propoſals
Mr. Holwell's Memorial of the ftate of the
45
country
46
Letters between Mr. Vanfittart, Mr. A-
myatt and Colonel Caillaud
64
Letter from the Refident at the Nabob's
Court, concerning the fedition of the
Nabob's troops at Moorfhedabad
71
Letters from the Nabob to Colonel Cail-
laud, and Mr. Holwell
74
Extract of a letter from the Select Com-
mittee at Bengal, to the Prefident and
Council of Madras
76
Minutes of Council concerning the low ftate
of the Treaſury
78
Letter from Mr. Sykes to Mr. Vanfittart
82
Debates of the Select Committee, upon the
dangerous ftate of the country
83
General confiderations upon the ſtate of the
Company's affairs, and their connections
with Meer Jaffier
Treaty with Meer Coffim
85
ΙΟΙ
SEC-
CONTENT S.
iii
SECTION IV.
Mr. Vanfittart's journey to Moorfḥedabad, in
confequence of the refolutions of the Select Com-
mittee, with his proceedings there till the re-
"fignation of Meer Jaffier, and the promotion
of Meer Coffim to the fubahfhip
Page
105
Select Committee's inftructions to Mr. Van-
fittart, and Colonel Caillaud
106
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart, to the Select
Committee, containing an account of his
firft interview with the Nabob
Reaſons for making ufe of force againſt
Meer Jaffier
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart and Colonel
Caillaud, containing an account of their
proceedings, the refignation of Meer Jaf-
fier, and the promotion of Meer Coffim
Two letters from Mr. Vanfittart, to Mr.
Ellis
IIO
113
115
136
Two letters from Mr. Vanfittart and Co-
lonel Caillaud, to the Select Committee
Letter from the Select Committee to Mr.
138
Vanfittart and Colonel Caillaud, approv-
ing their proceedings
14. 수
​Two letters from Mr. Ellis to Mr. Van-
fittart
145
Mr. Vanfittart returns to Calcutta, and re-
ports his proceedings to the Council
147
Mei. Verelft and Smyth object to the pro-
ceedings
147.
Mr. Vanfittart's reply to their objections
149
A 3
Mr.
iv
CONTENT S.
Mr. Vanfittart's memorial concerning the
revolution
SECTION
V.
The rife of the party formed against Mr. Vanfit-
tart, with their proteſts and objections againſt
the revolution
Page
151
159
Firft occafion of the difcontent of Meff.
Amyatt, Ellis and Carnac
тбо
Meff. Amyatt, Ellis and Smyth, their mi-
nute in Council, the 8th of January, 1761
Reply of the Select Committee
161
164
Mr. Ellis's further minute
175
VI.
SECTION
Dangerous difputes with the Nabob at Patna,
during the command of Major Carnac, and
Colonel Coote; and the removal of those gen-
tlemen from that ftation
176
Firſt effects of Mcer Coffim's Adminiftration 178
He takes the field
179
Select Committee's orders to Major Carnac
180
Major Carnac's anſwer
181
Further orders of the Select Committee to
Major Carnac
183
184
Meer Coffim marches to Patna
Major Carnac's letter to the Select Com-
mittee, containing an account of his in-
terview with Meer Coffim
185
Meer
CONTENT S.
Page
Meer Coffim's letter to Mr. Vanfittart, on
the ſame ſubject.
187
Orders thereupon from the Select Commit-
tee to Major Carnac
189
Colonel Coote arrives in Bengal, and takes
the command of the army at Patna
The orders given him by the Select Com-
191
mittee
191
Letter from Major Carnac to the Select
Committee
194
Colonel Coote joins with Major Carnac in
oppofing the Nabob
195
Ramnarain protected by them; refuſes to
fettle the accounts of his government
Several letters from the Nabob, giving an ac-
count of the confequences of theſe diſ-
putes
196
198
Orders thereupon from the Select Committee
to Colonel Coote
205
Two letters from the Nabob, containing
complaints againſt Colonel Coote, and par-
ticularly of a fally made by the Colonel
into his camp
Two letters from Mr. M'Gwire on the fame
fubject
207
220
Mr. Vanfittart lays before the Council an ac-
count of theſe diſturbances
228
Their orders in confequence, recalling Colo-
nel Coote and Major Carnac to Calcutta
Two letters from Colonel Coote, contain-
ing an account of his proceedings
A 4
237
238
SEC-
vi
CONTENT S.
Page
SECTION
VII.
Major Carnac's negotiations with the King, and
difputes with the Board
250
Major Carnac eſcorts the Shahzada to the
limits of the province
251
Two letters from the Major, with copies of
his addreffes to that Prince
254
Mr. Vanfittart's remarks on them
260
Anſwer of the Council to major Carnac
262
Other letters from major Carnac, fhewing his
diſreſpect to the Board
263
Mr. Vanfittart's remarks on the Major's let-
ters
276
The moderation of the Board on thefe occafions 289
SECTION
VIII.
Mr. Ellis's appointment to the Chieffhip of Pat-
na, and difputes with the Nabob
290
"Mr. Ellis fucceeds to the Chieffhip of Patna 291
His inftructions from the Board
292
Debate upon the inftructions
294
Mr. Ellis arrives at Patna
296
He gives orders for feizing one of the Nabob's
officers
297
Letter from the Nabob to Mr. Ellis
299
Mr. Ellis's anſwer
301
He feizes another officer of the government,
and fends him to Calcutta
302
The Nabob's letter to Mr. Ellis on that ſub-
ject
305
·Letter
CONTENTS.
ví
Page
307
Letter from the Nabob to Mr. Vanfittart
Mr. Ellis fends a detachment of feepoys to
fearch the fort of Mongheer for deſerters 307
Informations given to the Nabob upon this.
proceeding
309
The feepoys being refuſed admittance, take
poft near the fort, and continue there three
months
313
Lieutenant Ironfide ſearches the fort, and the
feepoys are recalled
314
Two letters, giving an account of a diſpute
between Mr. Ellis and the Naib of Patna 317
Many letters on the ſubject of theſe diſputes,
}
and the debates of the Board upon them
II.
320
-VOL.
Mr. Vanfittart's conduct in the courſe of theſe
debates
Alarms occafioned by theſe diſputes
An attempt to raiſe ſuſpicions againſt the
Nabob
Jealoufy on both fides
Mr. Haftings's deputation to the Nabob
SECTION IX.
The
ftate and caufes of the disputes between the Of-
ficers of the government, and our agents in the
inland trade
Reaſons of this deputation
Inftructions to Mr. Haftings
Mr. Amyatt's motion for an additional clauſe
12
1.4
17
18
19
20
22
23
Debate
viii
CONTENT S.
Page
Debate and opinion thereupon
The clauſe agreed to
Copy of it
26
35.
Mr. Amyatt's further minute
Mr. Haftings arrives at the Nabob's camp
The Nabob's anſwer to the Board's meffage
Mr. Haftings endeavours ineffectually to re-
concile Mr. Ellis with the Nabob
Two letters on that ſubject
Letter from Mr. Haftings to the Board
Several letters between Mr. Haftings and Mr.
Vanfittart
Letters from the Board to Mr. Haftings and
35
36
42
43
48
49
56
59
Mr. Ellis
71
Mr. Ellis's anſwer
76
Rife of the difputes between the Nabob's offi-
cers and our agents
78
Letters on that fubject between Mr. Haftings
and Mr. Vanfittart
79
Mr. Haftings returns to Calcutta
97
Complaints from the Nabob and his officers,
97
regarding our agents and gomaftahs
SECTION X.
The increase of the difputes. -Mr. Vanfittart's
journey to Mongheer, and regulations agreed
upon with the Nabob
Great alarms of an approaching rupture be-
tween us and the Nabob
Increaſe of the complaints on both fides.
107
ITO
III
Letters
CONTENT s.
ix
Letters containing the complaints againſt the
Engliſh agents and gomaſtahs
Letter containing the complaints againſt the
Nabob's officers
Page
III
118
Debates and orders of the Board on the oc-
cafion
120
Reaſons for Mr. Vanfittart's journey to Mong-
heer
He arrives at Moorfhedabad
130
132
Letter from him to the Council
133
Letter from the Council to Mr. Vanfittart,
defiring him to fettle a plan for the private
trade, with an account of duties encloſed
He arrives at Mongheer
Conferences with the Nabob
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart to the Council
Tranflations of two letters, one from Mr.
Cartier to Mahomed Allee, the collector of
Dacca; and one from Meſſ. Johnſtone, Hay
and Bolts, to the fougedar of Poorneea
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart and Mr. Haftings
to the Council, with the regulations pro-
pofed
137
141
141
145
147
150
Letter from the Nabob to Mr. Vanfittart, con-
taining a fummary of his complaints
Mr. Vanfittart's anſwer to the Nabob, con-
taining the regulations promiſed thereupon,
which was the fubject of the enfuing dif-
putes
164
168
Mr. Vanfittart proceeds to Patna
174
Com-
X
CONTENT S.
L
Complaint made to him by the Nabob's de-
Page
puty at Patna
174
Difpute about the Burbunna gate
174
Difpute about the Gunge
175
Mr. Vanfittart's anſwer to the deputy's com-
plaints
176
Mr. Vanfittart fets out from Patna for Cal-
cutta
184
He calls at Mongheer, and takes leave of the
Nabob
184
The Nabob ſets out on an expedition to Na-
paul
184
State of his forces at this period
185
Letter from the Council to Meff. Vanfittart
and Haftings, in anfwer to theirs from
Mongheer
Mr. Vanfittart arrives at Coffimbuzar
His letter to the Board from thence
He returns to Calcutta
SECTION XI.
The general affembly of the Council, and their
188
!
190
190
194
proceedings
195
The regulations circulated by the Nabob
199
4
Copy fent to the Board by the Chief of
Dacca
199
The members of the Council called down from
the fubordinate factories
204
Letter from Mr. Cartier to the Board, on the
fubject of his letter to the collector of Dacca 205
Letter
CONTENT S.
xi
Letter from Meff. Johnſtone, Hay and Bolts
to the Board, on the ſubject of theirs to
the fougedar of Poorneea
Page
209
Letter from the Chief and Council of Dacca
i.
to the Board, with a Perfian copy of Mr.
Vanfittart's letter of regulations
217
Mr. Gulfton's tranflation of it
223
The Nabob's orders to his collector at Dacca 228
Minutes of Council upon theſe orders
.230
Mr. Vanfittart's minute in Council, on the
fubject of the above proceedings
234.
Violence of the Nabob's officers
254
Exaggerated complaints againſt them
254
Orders from the Board to Luckypoor and
Dacca
256
Mr. Amyatt's minute in anſwer to Mr. Van-
fittart's
257
Firft meeting of the general Council
261
Motion for calling major Carnac to the Board 262
The motion carried
263
Mr. Amyatt's minute at the opening the gene-
ral Council
263
Remarks on it
270
Difficulty of acting between the Nabob and
the Council
273
Mr. Vanfittart's minute in Council
275
Freſh complaints from Patna and Dacca fac-
tories
279
Refolutions of the Board thereupon, empow-
ering the factories to make ufe of force
280
Mr.
xii
CONTENTS.
Mr. Vanfittart's letter to the Nabob, acquaint-
ing him with it
Major Carnac's letter to the Board, defiring
to be reinftated in the command of the
troops at Patna
Page
281
284
Letter from the Chief and Council at Patna
to the Board, concerning the Gunge
Plan for conducting the proceedings of the
general Council
286
288
Debates concerning the Burbunna gate and
the Gunge
289
Letter to the Nabob, containing the refolu-
tions of the majority for opening the Bur-
bunna gate
305
The Gunge ordered to be aboliſhed
308
Queſtions to be debated relative to the regu-
lations, and the private trade.
309
Complaint from Luckypoor againſt the Na-
bob's officers
310
Orders to ſeize the officers
314
Debates upon the before-mentioned queftions 316
Refolutions of the Board
396
Queftion propofed, what articles of trade
fhould pay duties to the Nabob, and what
duties
Debate upon it, and the conclufion
Remarks on it
Mr. Haftings's additional minute in Council
Letter from the Nabob to his collector at
Dacca, concerning the ftoppage of fome
goods belonging to Mr. Vanfittart
398
400
417
420
425
Letter
CONTENTS.
xiii
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart to the Nabob on
Page
that fubject
427
Further complaints againſt the Nabob's offi-
427
cers
Fougedar of Rangamettee ordered to be feized 428
VOL. III.
Plan for deciding difputes between our agents
and the Nabob's officers
Remarks upon it
The Nabob returns from his expedition
Much alarmed by the general affembly of the
Council
Three letters from him to the Governor
Letter from the Governor in anſwer
Mr. Johnſtone's motion
Debate on it, and the refolution of the Board
Meff. Amyatt and Hay appointed to go on a
deputation to the Nabob
I
5
6
6
6
20
25
25
32
Great difturbances between the Nabob's offi-
cers and our factories at Patna and Dacca
A detachment from Patna feizes the Nabob's
officer at Mow, who is kept prifoner in the
factory
33
34
Part of that detachment attacked, and car-
ried before the Nabob, who releaſes them.
Several letters from the Chief and Council at
Patna, and from the Nabob to the Gover-
nor, upon their grievances
35
36
Letter
xiv
CONTENT S.
1
Letter to the Nabob, containing the refolu-
tions of the Board upon the foregoing
The Nabob publiſhes a general exemption of
duties
Debate upon that fubject, with the refolution
of the Board, to infift on the Nabob's an-
nulling that act
Meff. Johnſtone and Hay accufe Mr. Vanfit-
tart of having made a private agreement
with the Nabob, for the benefit of his own
trade
Mr. Vanfittart's anſwers
Two letters from the Nabob, containing a
warm remonftrance against the proceedings
of the Board
Letter from the Chief and Council at Patna,
with an account of a fray between ſome of
their feepoys, and the Nabob's forces at
Gyah
The Board offended at the Nabob's letters
Debate in conſequence, whether Meff. Amy-
att and Hay ſhould proceed on their depu-
tation
Agreed, they ſhould fet out and wait the Na-
bob's anſwer at Coffimbuzar
SECTION
XII.
The deputation of Meff. Amyatt and Hay; their
proceedings, and other occurrences, to the death
of Mr. Amyatt
Page
58
¡61
63
77
78
80
88
ga
91
122
123
The Board's inftructions to Meff. Amyatt and
Hay
*128
Mr.
CONTENTS.
XV
Mr. Vanfittart's diffent
Syed Buddul Cawn, one of the Nabob's offi-
cers, feized at Luckypoor, and fent to Cal-
cutta
He produces Mahomed Allee's orders
Page
135
137
137
Orders in confequence to the factory at Dacca
to ſeize him
140
Reaſons for Mr. Vanfittart's joining in that
order
140
Probable motives of the Nabob's conduct in
reſpect to Mahomed Allee
141
Remarkable inſtances of prepoffeffion on the
part of the Nabob, and of the Council, in
two letters, one from the Nabob, the other
from Coffimbuzar, upon falfe reports
Debate upon the laft, determined by a fecond
letter from Coffimbuzar
Plan of operations in cafe of a war
Debate upon the orders to be fent to Patna
Letter from the Chief and Council at Patna,
giving an account of the preparations mak-
ing by the Nabob's officer there
Mr. Johnſtone's further minute relative to his
accufation of Mr. Vanfittart, of making a
Mr. Vanfittart's anſwer
143
150
157
160
165
private agreement with the Nabob
168
170
Two letters from the Nabob
172
Debate upon them
178
Reſolution in confequence, that Meſſ. Amyatt
and Hay ſhould proceed on their deputation 182
VOL. I.
a
Letter
xvi
CONTENT S.
Letter from the Chief and Council at Patna,
containing news of infurrections in that pro-
vince
Remarks upon it
The Nabob's letter to the Company
Letter from the Chief and Council at Patna,
complaining of their not being allowed fuller
powers
Remarks upon it
Juggutfeet and his brother carried prifoners to
the Nabob
His reply to Mr. Vanfittart's remonftrance in
Page
182
183
185
197
202
:
205
their behalf
206
Mahomed Allee feized and fent to Calcutta
213
Letter from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, giving an
account of their firſt interview with the Na-
bob
Opinion of the Nabob's difpofition at this time 217
Boats with arms for Patna ftopped by the Na-
bob at Mongheer
214
219
Mr. Amyatt's demands their releaſe without
effect
219
219
The Nabob's reafons for detaining them
Letter from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, with a
copy of their demands, prefented to the Na-
bob, and his anſwers
Two letters from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, ad-
viſing that the arms were ftill detained
Two letters from the Nabob, complaining
againſt Mr. Ellis, and demanding the re-
moval of our troops from Patna
221
235
237
Letter
CONT EN T S.
со
xvii
Letter from Mr. Amyatt to Mr. Vanfittart, con-
taining the Nabob's objections to the de-
'mands of the Board
Mr. Vanfittart's opinion upon the further in-
:
Page
244
ftructions to be fent to Meff. Amyatt and
Hay
247
Debate upon the refolutions of the Board
249
Diſcretional powers given to the Chief and
Council at Patna
262
Mr. Haftings's diffent
263
Letter from Mr. Vanfittart to the fecretary,
containing his objections and further opinion 266
Freſh refolutions thereupon
270
Letters from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, with their
opinion that a rupture was unavoidable
Two letters from Mr. Ellis, giving an account
272
of the defertion of two hundred of our fee-
poys
273
Other letters from Meſſ. Amyatt and Hay, con-
firming their former
276
Further refolutions for the difpofition of the
troops in cafe of a war
277
Debates concerning the future government of
the country, in ſuch a caſe
278
Letter from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, advifing
of the Nabob's declaration, that he would put
an end to the conference, if we did not re-
call our troops from Patna
Letter from Meff. Amyatt and Hay, adviſing
that the Nabob had releafed the boats of
arms, and confented to treat
a 2
295
299
Strong
xviii
CONTENT S.
Strong reports of hoftilities begun at Patna
Our dauks ſtopped
Two letters from the Nabob; the first urging
the removal, either of our troops from Pat-
na, or Mr. Ellis from the chieffhip; the
other expreffing a conviction, that Mr. El-
lis was bent upon attacking the city of Pat-
na, and that our correfpondence was come
to an end
Advice from Mr. Amyatt, that he and his par-
Page
299
300
300
313
The army ordered to march
ty were furrounded, and the boats of arms
again ftopped
314.
by our troops
Explanation of Mr. Vanfittart's conduct
Report from hircarras, that Patna was taken
His minute, declaring his refolution to quit
the government as foon as the war fhould be
ended
316
316
318
Further debates concerning the future go-
vernment of the country
319
Refolution of the Board to re-eſtabliſh Meer
Jaffier
324
Advice from Mr. Amyatt, of his having left
Mongheer; and from Coffimbuzar, of his
party being attacked, and himſelf killed
325
SECTION XIII.
The new Treaty with Meer Jaffier; war with
Meer Coffim; and the massacre at Patna
326
The proclamation of Meer Jaffier, and decla-
ration of war
328
Meer
CONTENT S.
xix
Meer Coffim's letter, confirming the report of
Page
our defeat at Patna
330
Coffimbuzar factory furrounded
332
Minutes in Council of Mr. Vanfittart and Mr.
Haftings, containing their reaſons for fign-
ing the acts in favor of Meer Jaffier
Propoſed articles of agreement with Meer Jaf-
333
fier
336
A deputation of the Board fent to him with the
articles
341
Minutes in Council of Mr. Vanſittart, and
Mr. Haftings, upon the fubject of the pro-
poſed articles
341
Preliminary demands delivered by Meer Jaf-
fier to the deputies
347
Debates and refolutions thereupon
347
Remarks on this ſubject
350
Meer Jaffer's objection to the articles
356
The objections admitted
357
Treaty with Meer Jaffier
358
Further demands of Meer Jaffier
363
The demands agreed to
366
Letter from Meer Coffim to Major Adams,
threatening to cut off the prifoners in his
hands
358
Mr. Vanfittart's letter to Meer Coffim on that
fubject
371
Major Adams's anſwer to Meer Coffim
373
The maffacre perpetrated
374
Letter from Mr. Fullarton to the Board, giv-
ing an account of this cataſtrophe, and his
eſcape
a 3
375
APPEN-
XX
CONTENT S.
Page
APPENDIX.
General obfervations upon the preceding events,
with ſome later occurrences.
379
Remarks upon Meer Coffim's adminiſtration;
his behavior in the courſe of the diſputes
with the Council, and after the war broke out 380
Obfervation on the death of Mr. Amyatt
385
The neceffity and propriety of the affault of
Patna examined
390
Review of Meer Coffim's character and con-
duct, at different periods.
393
Proofs of the intrigues carried on againſt Meer
Coffim, at the courts of the King and Shuja
Dowla, by Mr. Ellis and Major Carnac
Explanation of Mr. Vanfittart's conduct to
the Nabob, and to the party which oppoſed
him
400
401
Reflections upon the nature of the inland trade 404
The complaints on that fubject lately made by
Meer Jaffier, and the reftrictions agreed on
in confequence
407
Mr. Vanfittart's reafons for prolonging his ſtay
in Bengal
423
Conclufion.
424
EX-
ΑΝ
EXPLANATION
OF THE
INDOSTAN
Annae,
Arzee,
Arzdafht,
A.
WORD S.
THE fixteenth part of a rupee.
An addrefs from an inferior.
An addrefs to the King, fo called
from the two initial words always
uſed in fuch an addrefs.
Affammee, A dependent; or any perſon on whom
Aumeen,
Aumil,
Aumildar,
a claim is made.
Or ameen, a ſuperviſor ; a perfon cm-
ployed to examine and regulate any
bufinefs.
An officer of the revenues.
The fame.
Aumulnama, A warrant, or order of the govern-
Aurung,
Bang,
Banyan,
ment, empowering a perſon to take
poffeffion of any land.
A place where goods are manufactured
or produced for fale.
B.
An intoxicating herb.
A Gentoo fervant, employed in the
management of commercial affairs.
a 4
Batta,
xxii
EXPLANATION.
Batta,
Bazar,
Begum,
Beetle,
Bildar,
Exchange. Alfo diet-money allowed
to the troops in the field.
A daily market.
A princeſs, a title given to every lady
of rank.
The name of an aromatic leaf, and of
a nut of the fize and appearance of
a nutmeg, which the natives of In-
dia conftantly chew and eat between
their meals. A fmall parcel of theſe
from the hand of a fuperior, is al-
ways received as a pledge and affur-
ance of protection.
A man who works with a beel, an in-
ftrument like a ſpade.
Burkundafs, A matchlockman.
Buxbunder, The office of cuftoms at Hoogley.
A paymaſter.
Buxy,
C.
a
Calarree,
A falt work,
Caoun,
Chokey,
Sixteen puns of cowries, equal to near-
ly eight pence of Engliſh money.
A guard; alſo a place appointed for the
receipt of cuſtoms.
Chokeydar, The officer of a guard.
Chubdar,
An attendant, whofe office is to carry
meffages, and proclaim the approach
of vifitors, &c. literally ftaff-bearer,
fo called from a ftaff of wood, or
filver, according to the rank of his
mafter, which he carries in his hand.
Chuckla,
EXPLANATION.
xxiii
Chuckla,
Chunam,
Cooley,
Cootba,
The juriſdiction of a fougedar.
Lime.
A day-labourer.
The form of public prayer uſed for
the King.
Cofe or Cofs, A meaſure of about two miles.
An expreſs.
Coffid,
Cowrie,
Cutwal,
A ſhell which paffes for money in the
province of Bengal; eighty cow-
ries are called a pun, and from fifty
to fixty puns are the value of a ru-
pee. A cowrie therefore may be
rated at the 160th part of a penny.
Cucherree, A court of juſtice. Alſo the office in-
to which the rents are delivered.
An inferior officer of the police, de-
pendent on the fougedar, whoſe
buſineſs is to try and decide petty
miſdemeanors within a certain dif-
trict.
D.
Money advanced for goods.
A waterman, or rower.
Dadney,
Dandee,
Dauks,
Deloll,
A broker.
Dewan,
Stationed letter-carriers.
The ſecond officer of the province,
whofe bufinefs is to fuperintend the
lands and collections. Alſo the
fteward of any man of rank.
Dewanconna, The dewan's court, or office.
Droga,
An overfeer, or fuperindant.
Durbar,
xxiv
EXPLANATION.
Durbar, A court.
Duſtore,
Duftuck,
A cuftom, or fee.
Emarut,
Firmaun,
A paffport. In the Narrative it al
ways means a paſſport given by the
governor, or the chiefs of the facto-
ries, for the goods of the Company
or their fervants, which exempts
them from the payment of duties.
1
E.
A building. The droga of the ema-
rut is the overfeer of the public
buildings.
F.
A royal decree. In the Narrative it
means the charter which the Com-
pany obtained from the King Fur-
rukhfeer, by which they hold their
privileges.
Fougedar. The chief magiftrate of a large dif-
trict, called a Chuckla.
Fougedarree, The appointment, or office of a fou-
Gardee
Gaut,
Gentoo,
gedar.
G.
A name fometimes given to the fee-
poys.
A landing-place, where cuftoms are
ufually collected.
A profeffor of the ancient religion
of India.
Gola,
EXPLANATIO N.
XXV
Gola,
Gomaftah,
Gunge,
Gurree,
Guzerbaun,
Hawaldar,
Haut,
Hazarree,
Hegira,
Hircarra,
A building, ufually of thatch, erect-
ed for keeping grain, ſalt, &c.
An agent, or factor.
A wholeſale market; principally for
grain.
A divifion of time, including 24
minutes.
An officer who collects the cuſtoms
at the ferries.
H.
A fubaltern officer of feepoys of the
rank of a ſerjeant.
A market on ſtated days.
A commander of gunmen, literal-
ly a commander of a thouſand.
The Mahometan æra.
A ſpy.
Huſb-ul-hookum, A patent, or order, under the ſeal
of the Vizir, with theſe initial
words, fignifying "according to
the command."
I.
1
Izara,
Izardar,
A farm of the revenues.
A farmer of the revenues.
Jagheer,
Jagheerdar,
Jemmatdar,
Jungul,
An affignment of any part of the rè,
venues of the ftate for military
ſervice.
The poffeffor of a jagheer.
A military commander.
A wood, or a wild country.
Karoree,
xxvi
EXPLANATION.
Karoree,
Katbarra,
Kazzee,
Kella,
Kelladar,
Kallaat,
Kift,
Kiſtbundee,
K.
The fame as a wadadar. An officer
of the government, who for a
commiffion of two or three per
cent. makes himfelf refponfible for
the rents of a zemindarree.
A duty levied on new boats.
The chief magiftrate appointed to
adminifter juſtice to the Mahome-
tans according to their written law.
A fort; alſo a palace.
The governor of a fort.
A drefs given to a perfon invefted
with any new office.
The amount of a ſtated payment.
An agreement for the ſtated payments
of a fum of money, to be dif-
charged at different times.
Ten millions.
Krore,
Lack,
Mahal,
L.
One hundred thousand.
M.
Any land, or a public fund, yielding
a revenue to the government.
Mahal Serai, The women's apartments.
Malguzarree, The land revenue.
Mangée,
Maund,
Mharajah,
The helmfman of a boat.
A weight of 75 to 80 lb.
A title fignifying Great Rajah.
Mohr,
EXPLANATIO N. . xxvii
Mohr,
Molungee,
Or Gold Mohr, a gold coin, worth
from 12 to 15 rupees.
A worker of falt.
Moonſhee, A fecretary for the Perfian language.
Muchulca, A written obligation.
Munſub, A dignity.
Mufnud, A cloth or carpet, on which the
people of Indoftan fit, ufed to
fignify the feat of the Nazim.
Muttaſeddee, Properly an officer of ſtate. A term
applied in common to any man,
Nabob,
Naib,
Naic,
Nazim,
who has the charge of accounts,
either of the government, or of
any perſon of confequence.
N.
(Properly Nawab, being the plural
of Naib) a title given to every per-
ſon of noble rank. By pre-emi-
nence it is generally uſed to fignify
the Nazim.
A deputy.
A fubaltern officer of the feepoys, of
the rank of a corporal.
The first officer of a province, in
whofe hands the executive power is
lodged. He is ufually for diftinc-
tion ftiled the Nabob.
Neabut,
A deputyſhip.
Nezzer,
A prefent to a fuperior.
Nezzeranna, A fum paid to the government, as an
acknowledgment for a grant of
lands, or any public office. Ni-
xxviii EXPLANATION.
Nizamut, The office or poft of a Nazim.
Nobit,
Omrah,
Pahr,
Peon,
A band of mufic, allowed only to per-
fons of the higheſt rank, by a grant
from the Crown.
O.
1
The plural of Aumeer, a Lord of the
Empire.
P.
A variable divifion of time, confifting of
fuch a number of gurries as will form
nearly a quarter of the natural day
or night.
A footman, or attendant.
Perganah, The largeſt divifion of land in a Ze-
mindarree.
Perwannah, A grant or letter under a great feal from
any man of power to a dependent.
Peſhkar, A fteward.
Peſhcuſh, A tribute paid to the Crown, as an ac-
knowledgment for any tenure.
Pulwar,
Pun,
Pykar,
Rahdar,
Rajah,
A light boat uſed for diſpatches.
Eighty cowries, of the value of about
an halfpenny.
A perſon who purchaſes goods from
the first hand to fell to the merchant.
R.
An officer employed in collecting the
duties by land.
A title given to every Gentoo of rank,
originally appropriated only to the
principal Zemindars.
Raunee,
EXPLANATION.
xxix
Raunee,
Reiat,
Riffalla,
Properly Rannee, a title given to the
women of rank amongſt the Gentoos,
A tenant.
An independent corps of horſe.
Riffalladar, The commander of fuch a corps.
Rowana, A paffport, or certificate, from the col-
lector of the cuſtoms.
Royroyan, The principal officer under the Dewan,
who has the immediate charge of the
Crown lands.
Rupee,
Seepoy,
Serai,
Sezawel,
Shah,
A filver coin, worth about 2s. 6d.
S.
A foldier. This word is chiefly uſed
for the Indian troops difciplined af-
ter the European manner.
A baiting place for travellers.
The fame as tahfildar. An officer em-
ployed for a month by falary to col-
lect the revenues.
The King, or Emperor.
Shahbunder, The office of cuftoms at Dacca.
Shahzada, A Prince, or fon of a King. Any
perſon of royal extraction.
Shroff, A banker.
A coin; commonly uſed to fignify the
rupee of the Bengal mints.
The collector of the rents of a village.
The ſtate.
Sicca,
Sicdar,
Sircar,
Subah,
A province; improperly uſed for the
Subahdar.
Subahdar, The governor of a province; alfo the
commander of a company of feepoys.
Subah-
XXX
EXPLANATION.
:
Subahdarree, or fubahfhip. The office of a fubahdar.
Sunnud, A grant.
Sunwaut,
Rupees of old dates, on which a dif-
count is allowed.
T.
Taalook, A fmall zemindarree.
Taalookdar, The zemindar of a ſmall diftrict.
Tahfildar, or Sezawel. An officer employed for a
Tani..,
monthly ſalary to collect the revenues.
A ſmall fort.
Tamnadar, A commander of a ſmall fort.
Telinga,
A feepoy; fo named from a country of
that name, from whence the firft
feepoys were probably enliſted.
A collection of calarrees, or falt pans.
A name which is vulgarly given to the
Indian Drums uſed in proclamations.
An affignment.
Tofall,
Tomtom,
Tuncaw,
V.
Vackeel,
An attorney, or agent.
W.
Wadadar, The fame as karooree; an officer of
the collections.
Y.
Yeffawel, A ftate meffenger.
Z.
Zemindar, A perfon who holds a certain tract of
land immediately of the government,
on condition of paying the rent of it,
Zemindarree, The office of a Zemindar, or the
Zenana,
lands held by him.
Belonging to women.
apartments.
The woman's
A
Zilladar, An officer of the collections.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE
HE Original Papers contained in
theſe Volumes are the fame, which
the Friends of Mr. Vanfittart found it
neceſſary to publiſh in 1764, with fome few
additions. They are now connected to-
gether, by a Narrative, which will ren-
der them more intelligible to the Reader.
It is to be obferved, that the Original
Papers are diſtinguiſhed from the Nar-
rative by inverted Commas, at the Be-
ginning, and at the End of each Paper.
[i]
sk
INTRODUCTION.
S the Eaft India Company's con-
* A * cerns with the country govern¬
*** ment of Bengal have of late
years engaged the attention of the pub-
lic, I am prompted, both by duty and
inclination, to give the world a full and
circumftantial account of all the mate→
rial tranſactions that paffed while I pre-
fided at Calcutta. The facts fhall be
ſupported by authentic copies from the
records, that the motives of each ſtep,
being traced to their original fources, the
public may no longer be forced to take
up their opinions from magazines and
news-papers, which have been too
frequently employed to ferve the pri-
vate ends of defigning men. It is
only from an unprejudiced examination
of the motives, that a true judgment
can be formed of the merit of the per-
VOL. I.
B
fons
ii
INTRODUCTION.
fons concerned in the conduct of any
publick buſineſs. Thus, if the motives
of the Select Committee, for enter-
ing into engagements with Meer Cof-
fim in September 1760, fhall be found
to be good, and the revolution which
followed to be unavoidable, without
expofing the Eaft India Company to
ruin, the Nabob Meer Jaffier to an ig-
nominious death, and the provinces,
already oppreffed by foreign enemies, to
the accumulated miferies of a civil war;
in ſuch caſe, I ſay, the tranfaction muſt
be approved, and the promoters of it
may rather hope for applauſe than fear
reproach.
ENDEAVOURS have been uſed to repre-
fent the government of the Nabobs in
India as a facred and fixed inheritance,
with a defign to throw an odium upon
this change in Bengal, by making it ap-
pear as a violation of the rights of princes,
and an offence againſt the conftitutional
laws of the empire. It
may be
proper
to ſet this matter in a true light, by ex-
amining what is the nature of the Na-
bob's
INTRODUCTION.
iii
bob's appointment, and fhewing, by way
of inſtance, the fucceffion in Bengal from
the beginning of this century. In
this inquiry, Meer Jaffier will be found,
like moſt of his predeceffors, to have
feized the government by force, and
that force not his own, but borrowed
from the Engliſh, who entered into an
alliance with him, in hopes by his
affiftance to be revenged on Serajah
Dowla. How little affiftance he gave,
and how ill he obferved the articles of
that alliance, is fufficiently known; and
I mention theſe circumſtances, only to
remove the falfe notions that have been
ſuggeſted, not meaning to bring them into
the preſent argument; for as on the one
hand it was not intended to charge Meer
Jaffier with his infidelity to us, if he
would have agreed to the new meaſures,
which the neceffity of the Company's af
fairs, and the ſtate of the country, requir-
ed; fo, on the other hand, fuppofing
his rights to have been as valid as they
are repreſented, and independent of us,
I could
A
В 2
iv
INTRODUCTION.
I could not in fuch circumſtances have
acted otherwife than I did. :
THE Nabob, as he is ufually termed,
or properly the Nazim of a province, is
an officer of the Mogul government, ap-
pointed to fuperintend the affairs of the
province during the pleaſure of the
court. This commiffion extends not
even to the life of the poffeffor, and in
the early times of the empire it was ufu-
al to make frequent removals, to prevent
the dangerous effects of an increaſing in-
fluence. Neither, according to the ori-
ginal inftitution, has he any right to
interfere in the management of the reve-
nues, which branch belongs to another
officer, called the Dewan, appointed alfo
by the court, and in every refpect indepen-
dent of the Nazim. It is true, that fince
the authority of the emperors began to
decline, the Nazims, taking advantage of
the diftractions of the ftate, have gene-
rally eſtabliſhed themſelves in fuch a de-
gree of independency, as to pay little
more than a nominal obedience to the
court. The forms are ftill kept up, but
they
INTRODUCTION.
they ſerve only to fhew what was the origi-
nal conſtitution. The Dewan is ftill ap-
pointed by a commiffion from the court,
but the intereft, or rather the force, of
the Nazim procures it in the name of
his fon, or neareſt relation. Upon the
death of a Nazim, the fucceffion, whe-
ther continued in the fame family, or
feized by a ſtronger, is not conſidered as
valid, till confirmed by the Imperial pa-
tent; but this the actual poffeffor finds
no difficulty in obtaining.
ABOUT fixty years ago, we find Jaf-
fier Cawn in the government of Bengal.
He was fent from Delly, and held it 'till
his death, which happened in 1725.
SHUJAH CAWN, of a different fami-
ly, was fent from court to fucceed him,
and governed the province till 1739,
when he died.
!
His fon Serfraz Cawn, hoping to find.
a party ftrong enough to fupport him,
took poffeffion of the government, but
maintained himſelf in it only three years.
ALLIVERDEE CAWN, without any
other title than his ambition, brought
B 3
an
vi
INTRODUCTION.
an army from Patna, killed Serfraz Cawn
in battle, and feized the Nizâmut in
1742. He foon obtained a confirmation
from Delly, and by affociating his grand-
fon Serajah Dowla in the government,
gave him an opportunity of fecuring the
fucceffion..
SERAJAH DOWLA fucceeded his
grandfather in 1756, and the next year
was depofed by the English, who con-
ferred the government on Meer Jaffier,
one of the principal officers of his army,
although many of the families of Serfraz
Cawn and Alliverdee Cawn were then
living.
I SHALL NOW enter, without further
preface, upon a detail of the tranſactions,
in which I was principally concerned ;
perfuaded, that all fuch as may have:
leifure and inclination to read theſe Pa-
pers will be convinced, that paffion and
felf-intereft had more fhare than the
love of truth, in the numberlefs calum-
nies, that were put forth to impoſe up--
on the public about the beginning of
the
year 1764.
ま
​A
NARRATIVE
OF THE
TRANSACTIONS in BENGAL,
From the Year 1760, to the Year 1764.
SECTION
I.
Preliminary Obſervations on the Reſtraints
laid on our Trade, till the year 1757,
and the Diſputes with the Officers of
the Government, occafioned by our
Encroachments, fince that Period.
Extract from the Company's Firmaun.
Treaty with Meer Jaffier of 1757
Letters from the Refidents at the Nabob's
Court, complaining of the Agents and Go-
maftahs in the Country.
T
HE Increaſe of Commerce was
at firſt the only object of the
European fettlements in India.
Engliſh, French, Dutch, all received
equal encouragement from the princes
B 4
of
8
A Narrative of the
;
of the country, and were permitted to
buy and fell, upon condition of paying
the fame duties to the government, that
Armenians and other ftrangers had paid
before. Their fhips and warehouſes
were liable to be vifited by the officers
of the government, who extorted, un-
der various pretences, frequent contribu-
tions, over and above the duties, for their
own or their mafters emolument. In
Bengal, particularly, traders could by
no means eſcape paying whatever was
demanded from them, becauſe their ſet-
tlements were eſtabliſhed above a hun-
dred miles up the Hoogly river, with
feveral forts belonging to the govern-
ment below them, fo that their fhips
could not withdraw without leave.
THE difpofition of the people of that
country will naturally lead them to make
the utmoſt advantage of fuch a circum-
ftance, and of courfe the trade of the
ſettlements in Bengal was loaded with
grievous taxes and impofitions. Our Eaſt
India Company continued a great num-
ber of years under this diſadvantage; but
at
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
9
at length, in the year 1716, they made
an effort, at a great expence, to obtain
ſome relief from theſe heavy and arbi-
trary taxes, by an embaffy to the Mo-
gul emperor, who granted them, upon
this application, a Firmaun, or order, for
a free importation and exportation of
goods, upon condition of a ſmall annual
tribute or acknowledgment, to be paid
into the royal treaſury at Hoogly. The
following is a tranflation of the Fir-
maun.
Tranſlation of the FIRMAUN.
A
LL magiftrates, and aumils, and
officers of the ſtate and jagheer-
dars, and fougedars, and karoorees, and
rahdars, and guzerbauns, and zemin-
dars, for the time being, and to come,
of the province of Bengal, and Bahar
and Oriffa, and the port of Hoogly, and
the other ports of the provinces afore-
faid, who hope for the royal favors.
Know, that at this feafon of victory and
conqueſt, Mr. John Surman and Coja
Serhud
10
A Narrative of the
Śerhud, agents of the Engliſh Company,
have cauſed to be reprefented to the
throne of juſtice and equity; that, ac-
cording to the fign manual of his Ma-
jefty, who is received into the mercy of
the Almighty, and to prior ſunnuds, the
English Company has been exempted
from cuſtoms throughout the empire,
excepting the port of Surat: and in the
port of Hoogly they pay annually three
thouſand rupees in lieu of cuſtoms, as a
pêſhcuſh to the treaſury of the high
Sircar. They hope that, conformable to
former funnuds, the royal Firmaun may
be granted.
THE command which fubjects the
world to obedience is iffued forth. What-
ever goods and merchandize their agents
may bring or carry by land or water in
the ports, quarters and borders of the
provinces, know them to be cuſtom-free,
and let them have full liberty to buy and
fell. Take annually the ſtated pêſhcuſh
of three thouſand rupees; and befides
that, make no demands on any pretence.
And if, in any place, any of their effects be
carried
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
I I
carried off by theft, endeavour to reco-
ver them, and punish the thieves, and
reſtore the goods to their owners. And
wherefoever they ſhall eſtabliſh a fac-
tory, and buy and fell goods and mer-
chandize, afford them affiftance and fa-
vor on juſt occafion. And on whomſo-
ever of the traders and weavers, &c.
they ſhall have a juft claim, caufe pay-
ment to be made to their agents accord-
ing to equity and right, nor let any one
injure their agents. Neither obftruct
their boats, whether hired or their own
property, on account of Kâtbarra *, &c.
AND likewiſe they have humbly ſet
forth, that the Dewans in the provinces
demand the original funnud, and a copy
under the feals of the Nazim and Dewan
of the province. To produce the origi-
nal ſunnud in every place is impoffible.
They hope that they will credit an au→
thentic copy under the feal of the Kazzee,
and not demand the original ſunnud, nor
prefs them for a copy attefted by the Nazim
and Dewan. And in Calcutta the Com-
* A duty levied on every new boat.
pany
12
A Narrative of the
pany have an eſtabliſhed factory: the
taalucdarree of Calcutta, and Soota
Lootee, and Gobinpoor; in the diſtricts
of the perganah of Ameerabad, &c. in
the province of Bengal, they formerly
purchaſed from the Zemindars, and the
ftated rent thereof, being one thouſand
one hundred and ninety-five rupees fix
annas, they pay annually. And there
are thirty-eight villages, the rents of
which amount to eight thouſand one
hundred and twenty-one rupees and eight
annas, may the taalucdarree of thefe
villages alfo be granted, the rents there-
of to be paid yearly by them, and the
income to be received by them.
THE refpectable order is paffed. Let
credit be given to a copy under the feal
of the Kazzee; we command, that they
hold as ufual the villages which they
have purchaſed, and grant them the taa-
look of the other villages before-men-
tioned; let them purchaſe them from the
owners, and let the Dewan of the pro-
vince yield them poffeffion.
THEY
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
13
THEY have alſo repreſented, that
from the time of his bleffed Majefty,
who is received into the Divine Grace,
a diſcount is taken in the treaſuries of the
provinces upon the coins of Cheenapa-
tan; but in effect the filver of the
faid coins is of the fame ſtandard as thoſe
of the port of Surat, by which means
they fuffer a great lofs: may the high
command be iffued forth, that provided
their filver be of equal quality with the
ſtandard of the port of Surat, &c. it ſhall
fuffer no obſtruction: and that whofo-
ever of the fervants of the Company
ſhall be indebted, and fly from the place,
be ſent to the chief of the factory and
that on account of the fougedarree, and
other forbidden articles †, by which the
agents and fervants of the Company are
much aggrieved, they be not moleſted.
THE ftrict and high order is iffued
forth, that from the fifth year of the
bleffed reign, if the filver ftruck at Chee-
* Madrafs.
+ Fines exacted by the fougedarree for drinking
Spirituous liquors, and other petty miſdemeanors.
napatan
14
A Narrative of the
napatan be equal to the coins of the for-
tunate port of Surat, ye fhall not infift
on a difcount: and whofoever of their
fervants fhall be indebted and fly from
the place, feize and deliver him to the
chief of the factory; and moleft them
not on account of the penalties on the
forbidden articles.
THEY have alfo reprefented, that in
Bengal, and Bahar, and Oriffa, the Com-
pany have eſtabliſhed factories, and de-
fire to erect factories in other places.
They hope, that in whatever place they
may eſtabliſh a factory, forty beegas * of
land may be granted them for that pur-
pofe out of the high fircar: and their
fhips are ſometimes driven a-fhore by the
force of the tempefts, and wrecked; the
magiftrates of the ports injuriouſly ſeize
the goods, and in fome places claim a
quarter part: and in the iſland of Bom-
bay belonging to the Engliſh, European
coins are current; may the fortunate
* A beega is a meaſure of about one-third of an
acre. ·
coins
Tranfactions in BENGAL,
15
coins be ftruck according to the cuſtom
of Cheenapatan.
THE order which muſt be obeyed is
iffued forth, let the cuſtoms of the other
factories in the provinces be obſerved:
and of this fociety (which has factories
in the imperial ports, and dealings at the
high court, and has obtained Firmauns,
the pledges of favor, exempting them
from customs) take care of the goods of
the ſhips which are wrecked and deſtroy-
ed, and do right by them: and in the
ifland of Bombay let the fortunate
coins be ftruck after the manner of the
coins of the empire, and pafs current:
and on every occafion acting confor-
mably to this enlightened decree, avoid
and forbear to do any thing contrary to
the ſtrict and high command. And de-
mand not every year a new funnud. In
this be exact and punctual. Written on
the 27th of Moherrum, in the fifth year
of the aufpicious reign."
By virtue of this Edict, the Compa-
ny afterwards carried on their trade
to and from Bengal free of duties, and
the
16
A Narrative of the
the ſame privilege was extended by their
indulgence to their covenanted fervants,
with an expreſs exception of the trade in
falt, beetle-nut, and other articles, by
which the revenues of the government
would be prejudiced without any benefit
to the Company.
UPON this footing the trade of the
Engliſh was conducted in Bengal from
the year 1716 to 1756, fubject however
to many interruptions from the avarice
and power of the Nabobs, who could not
be reſtrained by the order of the diftant
emperor, from extorting money from the
Company by various means. Upon a
complaint or pretence of an injury done
to one of the inhabitants of the coun-
try, or an illicit trade carried on by any
fervant of the Company, the Nabob
would give orders to ſtop the currency of
their buſineſs; nor could this obftacle
be taken off, but by the payment of a
large fum of money; and fometimes
without any pretence, but that of the
exigency of the state, the Nabob would
demand an aid from all the European
fettle-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
17
fettlements, and all were obliged to
pay.
To ſecure the power of continuing
theſe exactions, the Nabobs pofitively
forbad our erecting any fortifications;
and to prevent our making any advances
towards an authority over the people of
the country, we were not fuffered to
execute our own laws in capital cafes over
the ſubjects of the Nabob, though em-
ployed within our own fettlement, and
refiding within our limits; much leſs
durft we give protection to any fervant
of the country government, or inhabitant
of the country, who might ſeek a retreat
under our flag.
AT length, in the year 1756, came a
Nabob, who was not to be fatisfied by
levying a fum of money like his pre-
deceffors. Serajah Dowla, fucceeding
his grandfather, promiſed himſelf a vaſt
treaſure at once from the plunder of the
town of Calcutta; and fo, upon pre-
tence of our building new fortifications,
or in refentment of our protection given
to a fubject of the government (for both
VOL. I.
thefe
C
18
A Narrative of the
theſe reaſons were urged) he attacked,
and took all the Company's fettlements
in Bengal, and thus the country govern-
ment, by an extravagant and cruel abuſe
of their power over us, opened the way
for the deftruction of that power, and
for our future fecurity.
THE fuccefs of the fea and land forces
which were fent to Bengal, upon the
news of the capture of Calcutta, under
the command of Admiral Watſon and
Colonel Clive, is fufficiently known. Af-
ter recovering our fettlements, and agree-
ing to an accommodation with Serajah
Dowla, it was fufpected that he ftill had
hoſtile deſigns, and therefore it was re-
folved to recommence the war againſt
him. Meer Jaffier, then one of his
principal officers, promiſed to join with
us, upon condition that the government
ſhould be conferred upon him after the
defeat of Serajah Dowla.
ALL theſe deſigns were executed with
fuccefs. We had now a Nabob of our
own making, and abfolutely dependent
upon us for his eſtabliſhment and future
fecu-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
19
fecurity. By our influence in the coun-
try the Company's trade was freed from
the impofitions it was before liable to,
and they enjoyed the benefit of the Fir-
maun in its full extent; but their new
connections brought on a vaft increaſe of
expences in every branch, for which it
very foon appeared a fufficient provifion
was not made. The following is a copy
of the Treaty with Meer Jaffier.
Tranflation of the TREATY executed by
MEER JAFFIER,
"FIRST, Whatever articles were
agreed upon in the time of peace
with the Nabob Serajah Dowla I agree
to comply with.
SECOND, The enemies of the Engliſh
are my enemies, whether they be Indi-
ans or Europeans.
THIRD, All the effects and factories
belonging to the French in the provinces
of Bengal, Bahar, and Oriffa, fhall re-
main in poffeffion of the Engliſh, nor
will I ever allow them any more to ſet-
tle in the three provinces,
C 2
FOURTH,
20
A Narrative of the
FOURTH, In confideration of the loffes
which the Engliſh Company have ſuſtain-
ed by the plunder and capture of Cal-
cutta by the Nabob, and the charges occa-
fioned by the maintenance of their offi-
cers, I will give them a crore of rupees.
FIFTH, For the effects plundered from
the Engliſh inhabitants of Calcutta, I
agree to give fifty lacks of rupees.
SIXTH, For the effects plundered from
the Gentoos, Muffulmen and other fub-
jects of Calcutta, twenty lacks of
fhall be given.
rupees
SEVENTH, For the effects plundered
from the Armenian inhabitants of Cal-
cutta I will give the fum of feven lacks
of
rupees: the diſtribution of the fums
allotted the natives, Engliſh inhabitants,
Gentoos and Muffulmen, fhall be left to
the Admiral and Colonel Clive, and the
reft of the Council, to be diſpoſed of by
them, to whom they think proper.
EIGHTH, Within the ditch which fur-
rounds the borders of Calcutta, are tracts
of land belonging to ſeveral zemindars ;
befides this, I will grant the Engliſh Com-
pany
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
21
4
pany fix hundred yards without the ditch.
NINTH, all the land lying to the ſouth
of Calcutta as far as Culpee, ſhall be
the zemindarree of the Engliſh Company,
and all the officers of thofe parts fhall
be under their jurifdiction, the revenues
to be paid by them (the Company) in the
ſame manner with other zemindars.
TENTH, Whenever I demand the
Engliſh affiftance, I will be at the charge
of the maintenance of their troops.
ELEVENTH, I will not erect any new
fortifications below Hoogly near the
river Ganges.
TWELFTH, As foon as I am efta-
bliſhed in the government of the three
provinces, the aforefaid fums fhall be
faithfully paid.
Dated 15th Ramezan, in the fourth
year of the King's reign."
THE idea of provifion for the future
feems to have been loft, in the apparent
immenſity of the fum ftipulated for com-
penſation of the Company's loffes at the
capture of Calcutta.
The expences
C 3
of
22
A Narrative of the
of Bengal and the coaſt, the fums for
carrying on the Company's trade at both
places, and a provifion likewiſe for the
China trade, all was to be paid out of
this fund, at firſt thought inexhauſtible,
but in less than two years it was found
neceffary to take up money at intereft,
although large fums had been received
befides for bills upon the Court of Di-
rectors.
To ftate this account right, the fum
for compenfation fhould be fet againſt
the paſt loffes of the Company, and in
truth it will not more than repair them.
If we examine further the confequences
of this event, we ſhall find, that
from a commercial body, founded up-
on a fyftem of economy, we are be-
come from this moment a military and
political body; we have entered into
connections with the country govern-
ment; we have begun a fortification up-
on a very extenfive plan, to render our
influence and command permanent and
fecure againſt all accidents; we have ta-
ken upon us the defence of the provinces,
and
Tranfactions in BENGAL,
23
and our expences will be daily in-
creafing by an augmentation of fepoys
and other country forces, by larger de-
mands of troops from England, with
conftant ſupplies of artillery and military
ftores proportionate to our prefent engage-
ments and views, and lastly, by the pur-
chafe of materials and pay of workmen
for carrying on the new fort.
To anſwer all which it is ftipulated in
the treaty, that whenever the Nabob de-
mands the affiftance of the Engliſh,
he will be at the charge of the mainte-
nance of the troops; which charge it was
afterwards agreed, ſhould be computed
at the rate of one lack of rupees per
month, to be paid by the Nabob during
the time the army ſhould be actually in
the field. This would barely pay the
immediate field expences of the army;
it did not at all take in the increaſe of
the military eſtabliſhment in general,
which heavy expence, when the troops
were in garrifon, fell entirely upon the
Company; nor was any provifion made
for the extenfive fortifications, and the
vaft
C 4
24
A Narrative of the
vaft charge of military ſtores both at home
and abroad.
ANY ftock which is to fuffer continual
drafts muſt foon be exhaufted, if not
kept fupplied by fome adequate fource
of annual revenue. The lands round
Calcutta, ceded by the ninth article of
the Treaty, yielded only five or fix lacks
per annum nett income to the Company,
a fum of no confideration upon our pre-
fent enlarged fyftem, and of courſe we
ſhall ſee in the middle of the year 1760,
the Company's affairs in all parts dif-
treffed to the laft degree for want of
money.
WITH refpect to trade, no new pri-
vileges were aſked of Meer Jaffier; none
indeed were wanted by the Company,
who were contented with the terms
granted them in 1716, and only wiſhed
to be relieved from the impofitions to
which they had been expofed from the
arbitrary power of the Nabob. How-
ever, our influence over the country was
no fooner felt, than many innovations
were practiſed by fome of the Compa-
ny's
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
25
ny's fervants, or the people employed un-
der their authority. They began to trade
in the articles which were before prohi-
bited, and to interfere in the affairs of
the country; of which the Nabob com-
plained very frequently to the English
refident at his court, and the governor
of Calcutta, infiſting particularly, that
no one ſhould be permitted to trade in
falt and beetle-nut. Some of theſe
complaints will be ſeen in the following
letters.
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Scrafton,
Refident at the Nabob's Court, to P.
R. Pearkes, Efq; and the Council at
Dacca, without Date, but wrote be-
tween the 14th and 21st of July, 1758.
GENTLEMEN,
]
Acquainted you by expreſs pulwar,
of the complaints made to me by
the Nabob's Meer Moonfhee, of your op-
poſing Nehimodee, in poffeffing him-
ſelf of Ruffelpoor and Hydrapoor, for
which he had received ample perwanahs
from the Nabob's Dewan.
THERE
26
A Narrative of the
THERE is likewife a complaint lodg-
ed againſt an Engliſh gomaſtah at Chil-
marree, that he gives protection to num-
bers of merchants who trade there,
which has proved a lofs to the govern-
ment of 70,000 rupees; alfo feveral
complaints of under protection to the
zemindars, tenants, and others; my gene-
ral anſwer is, that I will write to the
gentlemen at Dacca; I perfuade myſelf,
that moſt of theſe complaints are without
grounds, and that you will do your ut-
moſt to prevent the encroachments of
your black fervants.
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Haftings,
Refident at the Nabob's Court, to W.
B. Sumner, Efq; Chief at Dacca, dated
about the 30th of January, 1759-
66
I
Have received a long letter from Ma-
homed Huffein, in which he com-
plains, that you have begun to carry on
a large trade in falt and beetle-nut, and
refuſe to pay the duties on thofe articles,
which has likewife encouraged others to
do
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
27
prac-
do the fame in your name; which
tice, if continued, will oblige him to
his poſt of Shahbunder Droga.
throw up
In the affair of Mr. Chevalier's falt you
informed me, that you had paid the
Shahbunder duties for that parcel; the
fame information, I think, I received
from Mr. Waller. I have, in another
letter, acquainted you with the fame
complaint from him. What other cir-
cumſtances there may be in this affair,
that might ſerve to give a different light
into it, from what I have conceived from
the particulars already mentioned, I know
not; but I muſt defire, that
you will
prevent theſe complaints from going be-
fore the Nabob. We have not, I believe,
any right to trade in falt and beetle-nut,
at leaſt it was never (that I know of)
ftipulated in our favour with the Nabob;
and with reſpect to the falt trade, I my-
ſelf know, that none of the Company's
fervants, not the Colonel himſelf, has
ever engaged in it without the Nabob's
Perwannah.'
""
Extract
28
A Narrative of the
Extract of another Letter from the Same to
the Same, dated Dec. 12, 1758.
"TH
HE fecond complaint is, that an
Engliſh gentleman (Mr. Chevalier,
I ſuppoſe) has carried a large cargo of
falt to Chilmaree, which is an unprivi-
leged trade; and that he has taken mu-
chulcas from all the other traders in the
fame article, by which they are not al-
lowed to fell any falt till his ſhall be all
difpofed of.'
Extract of another from the Same to the
Same.
86
SIR,
MANY complaints have been laid
before the Nabob against Mr.
Chevalier, who is accuſed of having acted
in a very violent and arbitrary manner at
Chilmaree and Cooregaum, by oppreff-
ing the merchants of thoſe places in the
monopoly of feveral commodities, par-
ticularly falt and tobacco, no one being
allowed
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
29
allowed to buy or fell either of thoſe ar-
ticles but with his permiffion.
I DESIRE you will make the ſtricteft
enquiry into this, and take effectual
care to prevent fuch complaints for the
future.
A TRANSLATION of a letter from the
Wadadar of the Pergunah under the feal
of Mr. Chevalier, in anſwer to the de-
mand made by him, to know by what
authority he came into thoſe parts, I
ſend you herewith; on which I fhall only
make this remark; that the magiftrates,
and public officers of the government,
have an undoubted right to ſee the Com-
pany's duftuck, having no other way to
diftinguish between the agents of the
Company and others ufurping the Eng-
liſh name; nor the Company any means
befides to fecure their own privileges.
It cannot therefore but appear ſtrange in
any perfons employed by the Engliſh,
that they ſhould make any difficulty to
ſhow by what powers they are commiſ-
fioned; unless they are confcious, that
they are guilty of practices which ought
to
30
A Narrative of the
to be concealed: at leaft, fuch an abrupt
behaviour cannot but tend to create an
ill-will againſt the Engliſh, and aggra-
vate every complaint made againſt them.
P. S. I fend you a copy of the Wa-
dadar's letter, the circumſtance of the
Telingas being fent by Mr. Chevalier is
only an aggravation, but the reft can-
not be without foundation; I muſt infiſt,
that you either put an entire ſtop to
thoſe complaints, or recal Mr. Cheva-
lier, who, I am convinced, has not be-
haved in fo moderate or prudent a man-
ner as he ought."
Copy of Mr. Chevalier's Letter to Meer
Otta Oolla, Wadadar of the Pergunah
of Baharbund.
66
HE letter, which
TH
you fent to my
writer, I have received. You
write, that if I belong to the Engliſh, I
muſt have the Engliſh ſunnud, and deſire
a copy of it to be ſent you. In anſwer, I
afk, who are you, that I fhould fend you
a copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
3I
a copy of the funnud? If you want to
be informed who I am, and who ſent
me, fend a man to the Chief, who will
anfwer you. If the people of your Per-
gunah are guilty of any infolence to
mine, I ſhall chaſtiſe them handſomely
for it. Forbid your people, that they
enter into no quarrels with mine; if they
do without reaſon, they ſhall be puniſh-
ed; if my people behave ill to yours, do
you write me word of it, and I will pu-
niſh them."
Extract of a Letter from the Governor
(Mr. Holwell) to Mr. Haftings.
Dated 11 Feb. 1760.
66
W
I
E have returned no reply to the
Nabob's Perwannahs to the
council for two reafons; his large feal af-
fixed to them is derogatory to the Compa-
ny's honour, and addreffes of this kind
to the council muſt be at all events
quaſhed in the beginning, or the dig-
nity of the preſident will fall to nothing.
If he pleaſes to addreſs me on thoſe ſub-
jects,
32
A Narrative of the
jects, I will reply to him; in the mean
time, I beg to know, on what pretence
we are prohibited trading in the two ar-
ticles of falt and betel-nut.
SECTION II.
A View of the State of the Country,
and the Company's Affairs at Mr.Van-
fittart's Arrival in Bengal.
Success of the Shahzadda, in his Invafion
of Bahar. Bad Conditions of the Na-
bob's and the English Forces in that
Province, and of the Nabob's troops at
Muſhedabad.-Low State of the Com-
pany's Treafury; great Difficulties occa-
fioned thereby.-Difputes concerning the
Succeffion to the Offices of the Nabob's
deceafed Son.
Meer Coffim comes to
Calcutta.
IT
T is foreign to my purpoſe to en-
ter into any detail of the tranfac-
tions of Myr Jaffier's government, from
the time of his being raiſed to the fuba-
fhip
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
33
ſhip, till the month of July 1760, when
I came to Bengal to fucceed Colonel
Clive. It is enough if I give a plain and
diftinct view of the fituation in which. I
found his affairs, and the Company's.
THE greateſt part of the Nabob's and
the Engliſh forces was at Patna, to op-
poſe the Shahzada, who for three years
fucceffively had invaded the province,
and at this time was more powerful than
ever, by the number of diſaffected Ze-
mindars who had joined him, or eſpouſ-
ed his intereft, in different parts of the
country. The Nabob's army confifted
as ufual of a great number of undifci-
plined people, who were never regular-
ly paid, but were kept together by the
promiſes of Saddoc Allee Cawn *, the
Nabob's fon, who commanded them,
that he would be anfwerable for their
arrears one time or other. Being difap-
pointed of theſe hopes by the death of
the Nabob's fon, who was killed by
lightening the 3d of July, their clamo-
rous demands could no longer be reftrain-
* Commonly called the Chuta Nabob.
VOL. I.
D
ed,
34
A Narrative of the
ed, and a general plunder and defertion
was daily expected. Colonel Caillaud,
who commanded the English förces af-
tér Colonel Clive's departure for Europe,
ftopped theſe clamors for a moment, by
his promiſes to ſecure the payment of
their arrears from the Nabob; but the
Engliſh troops were in little better con-
dition than the Nabob's; they had two
or three months arrears due to them, the
Nabob having failed in the payment of
the fum ftipulated for their maintenance,
which was a lack of rupees a month,
and the low ſtate of the treafury at Cal-
cutta, not admitting of the deficiency
being fupplied from thence. The effects
of this were ſeen by the deſertion of mä-
ny of our men ; and the ariny, thus fitu-
ated, was within thirty miles of the
Shahzada's whole force.
THE fituation of affairs at Moorſhe-
dabad, where the Nabob refided, was
ſtill more alarming. Far from being in
a condition to pay off the arrears of his
troops at Patna, he had a large number
of the fame undiſciplined rabble about
his
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
35
his perſon, and was no leſs in arrears to
them; theſe alſo lofing their beſt depen-
dence, by the death of the Nabob's ſon,
could no longer be fatisfied with promi-
fes, but infifted, in a moft tumultuous
manner, on immediate payment.
payment. More
than once they furrounded the palace,
abuſed the principal officers in the moſt
opprobrious language, and daily threat-
ened the Nabob's life; thro' the weak-
nefs of his government, and the general
difaffection of the people, the revenues
of moſt parts of the province were with-
held by the Zemindars, and the Nabob
had ſo little attention to, or capacity for
bufinefs, that what little was collected,
was in a great meaſure appropriated by
his favorites to their own profit. The
Beerboom Raja, whoſe country is ſitu-
ated within a few miles of the capital,
Moorfhedabad, had declared for the
Shahzadah, and had raiſed a force, with
which he threatened to attack the city ;
and the Nabob had fo little power of
oppofing him, that a body of troops,
which were ordered out against him in
D 2
the
36
A Narrative of the
the month of June, refufed to march,
and were yet in the fuburbs, when I ar-
rived there in the month of October.
Upon the whole, there was the greateſt
reaſon to apprehend, that the diſorderly
troops would lay wafte and plunder the
city, and put an end at once to the Na-
bob's government and life.
AT Calcutta, the treaſury was fo low,
and our refources fo much drained, that
we were obliged to put an entire ſtop to
the inveſtment, and it was with the ut-
moft difficulty the current expences of
the fettlement could be provided for.
The lack of rupees, which the Nabob
was to pay monthly for the field-ex-
pences of our troops, remained, as I be-
fore obferved, two or three months in
-arrears; and even fuppofing it to have
been regularly paid, was very infufficient
for the intended ufe; fo that the Com-
pany, upon this footing, would have
fuffered a confiderable lofs by their alli-
ance with the Nabob, as often as the
fituation of affairs required their troops
to be in the field, of which the appear-
ance
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
37
ance of troubles on every fide, afforded
no proſpect of an end. The Burdwan
and Nuddea countries had been affigned
to the Company, from April 1758, to
April 1760, for the payment of the fums
ftipulated in the treaty, for the reftitu-
tion of the Company's and private loſſes
by the capture of Calcutta. Of that a-
mount about twenty lacks remained due,
at the time of my arrival, although the
term of the affignment had been expir-
ed fome months: and the Nabob, at the
fame time that he could find no means
of diſcharging this balance, infifted on
the lands being reftored to him, offer-
ing a fecurity of jewels in their ſtead.
He ſent the Royroyan, one of his princi-
pal officers to Calcutta, to make this de-
mand, and at the fame time to requeſt
the loan of a fum of money to aſſiſt him
in his diſtreſs. The laft was a propofal we
had it not in our power to comply with
but the firſt could not in juftice be refuſed,
as he was willing to give other fecurity,
in lieu of the lands before affigned; fo
that we were abfolutely left without any
refources
D 3
;
38
A Narrative of the
reſources for money, and the Company
fent out none from Europe. To add to
our difficulties, Madrafs and Bombay
were told, that they muft depend on
fupplies from Bengal; and in the midſt
of this diſtreſs, not only the dangerous
ftate of the province obliged us to keep
all our forces in the field at an immenſe
expence, but a ſtill more intereſting ob-
ject for the English nation in India, I
mean the fuccefs of the undertaking a-
gainſt Pondicherry, which was then in-
vefted, depended in a great meaſure on
a ſupply of money. The Nabob, thro'
an habitual indolence, was quite incapa-
ble of managing his government in fuch
critical circumftances; and the fudden
and unfortunate death of his fon, had
thrown him into fuch a ſtate of dejec-
tion, that he would not even try to ex-
ert the little ſtrength which his faculties
had left.
UNABLE as the Nabob was to help him-
ſelf, it was the univerſal opinion, found-
ed on the experience of his former con-
duct, that he would rather have ſeen
himſelf
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
39
himſelf and the province involved in one
general ruin, than have given us the
means of ſaving him, by putting more
power and more reſources of money in
our hands. The Dutch Director's letters
to him, and his behaviour at the time
their forces came into the country, are
a public teſtimony of his defire to reduce
our power, inſtead of augmenting it: I
afked a ſmall favor of him for the Com-
pany, a little after my arrival, as much
with a view of founding his difpofition,
as through a defire of obtaining it. It
was the grant of the Chittagong province,
in farm to the Company, on the fame
terms as it was held by the then Fouge-
dar, or if that was difagreeable, the
leave only of eſtabliſhing a factory there
for trade; but he pofitively refuſed to
admit of either. I determined not to
fuffer the affairs of the nation and the
Company to fall under the ruin they
were threatened with, without making
an attempt to fave them, and far from
intending any injury to the Nabob, I
confidered the preſervation of his life
and
D 4
40
A Narrative of the
and government, as equally depending
with our own interefts, on the immedi-
ate profecution of fome methods for re-
medying the difficulties with which we
were furrounded. One principal circum-
ſtance of the impending evils fuggefted
the first hopes of a reformation. The
death of the Nabob's fon had cut off the
heir apparent of the government: he
had two fons by concubines, and a
grandſon, the child of his deceaſed ſon,
by a concubine alfo; the eldeſt of his
two fons was little above ten years old,
and his grandſon an infant of a few
months, fo that they were incapable of
taking care of the bufinefs, fuppofing
the objection of their illegitimacy to be
of no weight. In theſe circumſtances
the whole province feemed to turn their
eyes on Meer Coffim, who was married
to Meer Jaffier's daughter, his only fur-
viving legitimate child; was eſteemed a
capable man in bufinefs, and had been
the means of preferving the city from
plunder, and the Nabob from deſtruc-
tion, by an immediate payment of three
lacks
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
41.
lack of rupees to his troops, and becom-
ing a fecurity for their arrears at the
time of their tumultuouſly furrounding
the palace; and this he did, upon pro-
mife of being appointed to the vacant of-
fices of his deceafed fon, and declared
his fucceffor. I found Mr. Holwell and
the Select Committee, had ſtrongly re-
commended to the Nabob to perform
this promiſe; on the other hand, Mr.
Amyatt and Colonel Caillaud had wrote
to him in favor of his infant grandfon,
repreſenting, that the troops at Patna
infifted on his being named to the va-
cant offices, and that Raja Rajebullub,
late Dewan to the Nabob's deceaſed ſon,
ſhould have the management of them
during his minority. The Nabob ſeem-
ingly acquiefced in both recommenda-
tions, but continued wavering in his
choice, in ſuch a manner, as ſhewed,
that the encreaſe of the Engliſh influ-
ence was the event that he moſt dread-
ed in the appointment of either. This
is the only clue which can lead to the
motives of the many oppofite refolu-
!
tions
42
A Narrative of the
tions which were taken up by the Na-
bob, upon this affair, in the fmall ſpace
of time in which it was fufpended. His
inclinations firft led him to accept the
advice offered him by Colonel Caillaud,
in favor of his grandfon; but when
that advice was urged in a more preffing
and peremptory ſtile, and Rajebullub, by
his emiffaries and friends at the Durbar,
too follicitouſly labored to bring about the
fame defign, the Nabob became jealous
of his growing power, and ſuddenly de-
clared his refolution to fupport Meer
Coffim in his pretenfions, as will appear
by the letter he wrote Mr. Holwell and
Colonel Caillaud upon this ſubject. On
the other hand, the Nabob perceiving
that Meer Coffim was warmly ſupport-
ed by Mr. Holwell, appears to have
formed the wild ſcheme of ſhaking off
both, by throwing all the chief offices
of the government into the hands of
a ſtranger, named Mirza Daood, who had
for fome years enjoyed the protection of
this court in the character of a prince of
the royal blood of Perfia. Him the Na-
bob
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
43
bob formally contracted to the natural
daughter of his deceaſed fon but a few
days after the declaration made in fa-
vor of Meer Coffim, who, apprehenfive
of being diſappointed in his hopes, by
the jealoufy and irrefolution of the Na-
bob, formed the pretence of negotiat-
ing the reſtoration of Burdwan, and the
other affigned lands, to obtain his leave
to come down to Calcutta. He arrived
there about the middle of September.
As he came down with theſe fears and
fufpicions of the Nabob's difinclination
to him, for the favor already fhewn him
by the Engliſh, it naturally led him to fall
in with any meaſures which might be
propoſed by them, as a means of ſecur-
ing the continuation of the fame intereſt
in his behalf.
SECTION
44
A Narrative of the.
SECTION
III.
The Proceedings of the Select Commit-
tee, to the Treaty concluded with
Meer Coffim.
Meer Coffim's Propoſals.—Mr. Holwell's
Memorial of the State of the Country.-
Letters between Mr. Vanfittart, Mr.
Amyatt, and Colonel Caillaud.-Letter
from the Refident at the Nabob's Court,
concerning the Sedition of the Nabob's
troops at Moorfhedabad.-Letters from
the Nabob to Colonel Caillaud and Mr.
Holwell.-Extract of a Letter from
the Select Committee at Bengal, to the
Prefident and Council of Madrafs.
Minutes of Council concerning the low
State of the Treafury.-Letter from
Mr. Sykes to Mr. Vanfittart. De-
bates of the Select Committee upon the
dangerous State of the Country.-Ge-
neral Confiderations upon the State of
the Company's Affairs, and their Con-
nections
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 45
nections with Meer Jaffier. Treaty
with Meer Coffim.
THE
}
HE chief objects the Select Com-
mittee now had in view were,
firft, to fecure the Company a revenue
proportionable to the increaſed military
expences, brought upon them by their
connections with the Nabob, and which
the affignment made by him, befides the
uncertainty of the payment, was by no
means equal to; and, fecondly, to put
an end to the war in Bengal, either by a
decifive action, or by entering into an
alliance with the Shahzada, to fupport
his pretenfions to the throne of Indoſtan:
for the firſt of theſe, Meer Coffim rea-
dily agreed to cede to the Company
lands, to the yearly amount of about fifty
lacks of rupees, confifting of the Burd-
wan, Midnapore, and Chittagong pro-
vinces, upon condition of our fecuring
his appointment to the vacant offices of
the Nabob's deceaſed ſon, the chief ad-
miniſtration of all the affairs of the go-
vernment under Meer Jaffier, and the
fuccef-
46
A Narrative of the
fucceffion to the ſubaſhip after his death.
The ſecond point was left to be deter-
mined by the negociations which had al-
ready been ſet on foot with the Shahza-
da; but whether the intended alliance
with him ſhould take place or not, it
was to make no difference in our engage-
ments with Meer Coffim.
THE following authentic Papers will
fufficiently ſhew the neceffity of our en-
tering into theſe engagements with Meer
Coffim, and giving him ſo extenſive a
power; from the critical ſtate of the
Company's affairs, and thoſe of the coun-
try at this period, and the Nabob's ina-
bility to remedy the one, and his ill dif-
pofition to contribute any affiftance to
the other.
Copy of the Memorial delivered by the Pre-
fident (Mr. Holwell) to the Select Com-
mittee, upon the Arrival of Mr. Van-
fittart, to fucceed him in the Govern-
ment.
As my health, and the confidera-
tion of other circumſtances, will
foon
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 47
foon oblige me to requeſt permiffion
from the board to refign the fervice, I
beg leave, previous to that ſtep, to ac-
company this ſhort addreſs with fuch re-
marks and memorials, as may convey to
the Prefident (fo lately arrived amongſt
us) a knowledge of the preſent ſtate and
fituation of the Company's affairs, as they
ftand connected with, or are dependent
on the government of Bengal.
To form a judgment of the prefent
ſtate of things in Bengal, it will be need-
ful to retroſpect on the late revolution of
the year 1757, when neceffity, and a
juſt reſentment for the moſt cruel inju-
ries, obliged us to enter into a plan to
deprive Serajah Dowla of his govern-
ment, which was accordingly done, and
Meer Mahomed Jaffier Allee Cawn fixed
by us at the head of the province on
certain conditions, and under a treaty of
alliance offenfive and defenfive.
A SHORT fpace of time fully proved
how unworthy the family thus raiſed!
The conditions of the treaty could not
be obtained from the Nabob, without
being
48
A Narrative of the
being in a manner extorted from him,
and by a thouſand ſhifts and evaſions it
was plain to the world not a fingle arti-
cle would ever have been complied with,
had the Nabob been inveſted with power
fufficient to have prevented it, or could
he have diveſted himſelf of his own fears
and apprehenſions from our reſentment.
: TUNCAWS on the lands were howe-
ver granted for the payment of the ſti-
pulated fums at particular times, by which
the Royroyan, Muttafuddies, Dewans,
and every Harpey employed in the Ze-
mindarree and revenues, became our im-
placable enemies; and confequently a
party was foon raiſed at the Durbar,
headed by the Nabob's fon Meeran, and
Rajah Rajebullub, who were daily plan-
ning ſchemes to ſhake off their depen-
dence on the English; and continually
urging to the Nabob, that till this was
effected his government was a name only.
The Nabob, fomething irritated by the
protection given Rajah Doolubram, and
weak and irrefolute in himſelf, fell too
foon into theſe fentiments.
THE
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
49
THE firſt ſtep taken to accompliſh this
meaſure of independence, was to affaf-
finate, and take off, under one pretence
or other, every minifter and officer at the
Durbar, who they knew were attached
to the Engliſh; in conſequence of which,
Coja Haddy, and Coffim Allee Cawn, firſt
and fecond Buxey, were affaffinated in
November and December 1758; and af-
ter many attempts made on the perfons
of Rehiem Cawn, and Golam Shah, his
uncle and brother, they were obliged to
ſeek an aſylum with the Shahzada in
1759. Roydoolub, his fon, and four
brothers, were profcribed, on no other
account, but that of the various infor-
mations he gave us, and his firm attach-
ment; this family would have fallen a
facrifice, had they not been reſcued out
of the Nabob's hands by force of arms;
Ameer Beg Cawn would, from the fame
cauſe, have fuffered the fame fate, had
he not given his folemn engagement to
quit the kingdom, which he according-
ly did.
VOL. I.
E
THE
50
A Narrative of the
THE next project of the Durbar ap-
peared, by every concurring ſubſequent
circumſtance, to be a fecret negotiation
with the Dutch, for tranfporting troops
from Batavia into theſe provinces, that
with their united force a ſtop might be
put to the power of the Engliſh. This
ſcheme was conducted by Raja Rajebul-
lub on the one part, and * Fucratoojar
for the Dutch on the other, about Octo-
ber or November 1758, the period when
the Deccan expedition took place, and
the garriſon was much reduced. Soon
after, the provinces were invaded by the
Shahzada on the fide of Patna, and Co-
Ionel Clive with our military and feapoys
joined the Nabob and his troops, and by
forced marches preſerved Raja Ramna-
rain ſteady in his duty, and arrived juſt
in time to fave that city and province,
and drove the prince, though the un-
doubted heir to the kingdom, beyond
the Currumnaffa, and brought the Bou-
gepoor, &c. countries into fubjection to
the Nabob.
* Coja Wâjeed.
།
THE
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
51
THE prince more than once wrote to
the Colonel, offering any terms for the
Company and himſelf, on condition the
English would quit the Nabob, and join
his arms; but the Colonel thinking it
incompatible with our treaty of alliance
with the Nabob, gave the prince no en-
couragement.
Ar the end of the campaign the Co-
lonel réturned to us in June 1759, and
the two Nabobs arrived in the city about
the fame time, with full conviction of
our firm attachment to his government
and family, and our religious regard to
our treaties; what fenfe they retained of
thefe obligations, and how long, will
appear by and by.
THE Nabobs, thinking themfelves now
better eſtabliſhed in the government, and
ſcreened by ſuch a ſure and powerful ſup-
port as our arms, began to fet no bounds
to their cruelties, oppreffions, and exac-
tions, from thoſe who had any thing to
be plundered of; and this barely receiv-
ed a check from the fevere and frequent
remonftrances of the Colonel to the Na-
E 2
bob,
52
A Narrative of the
;
bob, on a conduct which he told him
muft, from the general deteftation of the
people, end in the deftruction of him-
felf, his family and country. His troops
clamorous at the fame time for their pay,
whilſt the Nabob, in place of appropri-
ating the fums he had acquired by re-
peated affaffinations to the juft demands
of his jemmatdars and troops, laviſhed the
fame in boundleſs extravagancies.
very
ABOUT the latter end of July 1759, the
young Nabob arrived on a pretended vi--
fit to Colonel Clive, but the real motive
was to negotiate, if poffible, the deli-
of Rajah Doolubram, and two or
three other articles given him in charge
by his father, fuch as the furrender of
the tuncaw lands on fecurity, the bor-
rowing of us a large fum of money, &c.
In theſe the fon proving unſucceſsful, a
member of the board of Select Commit-
tee was, at his defire, fent to accompany
him to the city, to reconcile the Nabob
to the negatives his fon had received in
Calcutta, and at the fame time to inti-
mate to him the advice we had received,
that
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
53
that a large armament was fitting out at
Batavia, deſtined for Bengal; and to pe-
netrate, if poffible, his fentiments on
this occafion; and what refolution he
would take, in cafe that force arrived in
the river.
He was not to be reconciled to the re-
fufals his fon met with, but determined
to try his own power, and declared his
intentions to pay the Colonel a vifit him-
ſelf in September; which he did with
fuccefs equal to his fon; he ſeemed to
make light of the Dutch intelligence,
and not to give credit to it, though he
diſcovered much perplexity; however,
he wrote a letter to the Colonel, de-
manding our affiſtance, by virtue of the
treaty of alliance, in cafe the Dutch
troops came into the river.
THE armament arrived during his
vifit; his ſtay after that was ſhort, his
mind much embarraffed, and his whole
fubfequent conduct gave moft undoubt-
ed proofs, that the Dutch forces were
arrived by his invitation. That fuch
were the fentiments of Colonel Clive
E 3
and
54
A Narrative of the
and the Council, appears from the nar-
rative of that Dutch bufinefs, tranfmit-
ted to the Honourable the Court of Di-
rectors, and to our feveral Admirals; a
perufal of this narrative will convince
the impartial, that the Nabob, in his be-
haviour on this occafion, was guilty of a
moft flagitious breach of the article of
the treaty of alliance; and that from this
period, no terms whatever ſhould have
been preſerved with him, after fuch un-
exampled treachery and ingratitude; to
which, by way of illuftration, we may
add the fubfequent farces carried on be-
tween the Nabob and the Dutch, as fet
forth in the feveral letters between Mr.
Holwell and the Refident at Murad-
baug on this fubject; by reference to
which it will appear most manifeft, that
the Nabob's real intentions never were to
diſtreſs effectually that people; but on
the contrary, were only aimed to amuſe
and deceive us: witneſs the private or-
ders and inſtructions given to Meer Cof-
fim Allee Çawn, fo oppofite to his pub-
lic ones, when he was fent down to de-
moliſh
{..
་
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
55
moliſh the new works at Chintfura. In
the apparent delays of this fervice, Cof-
fim Allee Cawn fuffered much in the
opinion of the late Prefident, though
unjustly, as we fubfequently learn hẻ
was acting ſtrictly conformable to the
private orders of the Nabob.
;
In the beginning of the year 1760,
the Shahzada invaded the provinces again
with a force more refpectable than the
preceding year, both in troops and com-
manders, by the revolt of Camgar Cawn,
Golam Shaw, Reim Cawn and others
the Nabob by this time having made
himſelf fo univerfally hated, that we may
juſtly ſay, there was hardly a man in
the province that did not wifh fuccefs
to the prince.
COLONEL Clive refigned the govern-
ment early in February 1760, about
which time the Morattás entered the pro-
vince from the fouthward, and penetrat-
ed into the Burdwan country, making a
confiderable diverfion in favor of the
prince. The Nabob demanded a body
of our troops, feapoys, and field-artil-
lery,
E 4
56
A Narrative of the
lery, for the defence of this country, to
join his under the command of Meer
Coffim Allee Cawn, which was granted;
but their uſe was fruftrated by the Na-
bob's pufilanimous, irregular, and con-
tradictory orders to his general Coffim
Allee Cawn, to march with our troops to
Cutwa and the city, in place of march-
ing directly to the fouthward. Thus this
country fell a prey to the Morattas, and
a ftop was put to the collecting our tun-
caws, in which was our greateſt depen-
dence and expectation for the fervice of
the year*. Our troops under the command
of major Caillaud had taken the field,
in conjunction with the Nabob's, under
the command of his fon, fometime be-
fore the Colonel's departure for Europe,
and ſhaped their rout towards Patna,
whilft the Nabob himſelf remained in
the neighborhood of Rajemahl, a check
on Cuddeem Hofein Cawn, Nabob of
Purnea (then in rebellion) until Shu-
* See military correfpondence in the months of
February and March 1760.
but's
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
57
but's * advance, recalled him to the
city. A regular and particular detail of
the tranſactions of this laborious cam-
paign will not be expected here, as the
progrefs of it will preſent itſelf in the
courfe of the military correfpondence
laid before the Committee, therefore ge-
neral remarks on the fuccefs, effects,
and probable confequences, will be fuf-
ficient.
THIS, like the former ones, has pro-
duced no definitive action or ftroke, to lay
the leaſt foundation of peace to the pro-
vinces. In the courſe of this campaign
three morally fure and important op-
portunities were loft by the cowardice
of both the Nabobs; the firſt, when the
young Nabob refuſed to join the major,
in the immediate purſuit of the Shahza-
da when routed near Patna; the fecond,
when the old Nabob refuſed to comply
with the major's requeft and demand, to
croſs his horſe over the Burdwan river,
and attack the prince when united with
Shubut, &c.; the third, when in the late
* The name of a Moratta General.
purfuit
58
A Narrative of the
purſuit of Cuddeem Hofein Cawn, the
young Nabob refuſed to lead or detach
his horſe to the major's affiftance, by
which a general action might have been
brought on but, on the contrary, he
kept encamped two or three miles in the
major's rear, as if his intentions were to
leave our troops, without horfe, a facri-
fice to the enemy.
HAD the moſt been made of either
of thofe favorable occafions, the ftroke
had, in all human probability, been de-
cifive; as it is, it only proves, that we
continue to draw our fwords in fupport
of a family, moft unworthy the
govern
ment they have by our affiftance ufurp-
ed, and this to the manifeft hazard and
ruin of the Company's trade and concerns.
ON the near approach of the major to
Patna, he received a Firmaun from the
prince, of which he adviſed the board,
and promiſed to forward a copy, but no
wonder, that, in the courfe of fo extra-
ordinary and fatiguing a campaign, it
ſhould eſcape his memory. On the Shahza-
da's arrival in the Beerboom country, after
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
59
the unexpected march he formed upon
his defeat, the Prefident received in-
telligence, that the old Nabob had ac-
tually a Vackeel in the Shahzada's camp,
and that he was negociating a ſeparate
treaty with him. This appeared to have
fo dangerous a tendency, that any means
were eligible to obtain the truth of it.
THE late prefident, by a third hand,
procured Affed Zemma Cawn Rajah of
Beerboom, and his uncle Camgar Cawn,
to be written to on this fubject of the Na-
bob's Vackeel and treaty. This foon
produced a Firmaun from the prince, in-
clofing a copy of the Nabob's Afzdafht.
The Preſident made no reply to the Fir-
maun, but returned a fhort one to Cam-
gar Cawn's letter which accompanied it,
intimating, that copies carried little va-
lidity where originals were in being.
A FEW days before the prince began
his retreat from the hills, the Preſident
received a fecond Firmaun from him,
incloſing the original Arzdafht from the
Nabob. All that can be faid, either for
or
60
A Narrative of the
or againſt belief being given to the au-
thenticity either of the copy or origi-
nal, will appear on the face of the cor-
reſpondence, in two letters from the
Prefident to the major, under dates the
twenty-ſecond and twenty-fourth of A-
pril laſt, and to Mr. Haftings, the twen-
tieth of the fame month. To thefe we
may further add, that if they are forge-
ries, they have yet this corroborating
fignature of truth, that the whole te-
nor of the Nabob's conduct moſt exactly
tallies with the terms of the Arzdaſht.
But to reſume the courfe of the cam-
paign to the preſent time.
PATNA is relieved, and fecure for the
prefent. Cuddeem Hofein Cawn is dif-
poffeffed of his government of Purnea,
and driven out of the country, but with
all his treaſure and valuable effects, to
the reproach and infamy of the young
Nabob's name; fo that, after the rains,
he will eafily join the prince with the
effentials of war, which he only wants
to harrafs the provinces five years longer.
The young Nabob is taken off by a flaſh
of
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
61
of lightening, and our troops are gone
into quarters, after having done as
much, or more than could be expected,
from men fo wretchedly fupported by
thoſe very people, for whoſe preſervation
they endure every diftrefs and fatigue;
and the prince has found means to pre-
ſerve himſelf and forces a footing on
this fide the Soane, and in the neigh-
borhood of Patna. It is faid, Camgar
Cawn has forfaken the cauſe of the
prince, which appears moſt improbable,
not only on account of his having no
other chance for reimburfing himſelf
but perfeverance, but becauſe we had
undoubted intelligence, that three thou-
fand of his troops have lately joined his
nephew Affed Zemma * Cawn, who has
thrown off his allegiance to the Nabob.
Theſe troops are, doubtlefs, lodged to
make an early and important diverfion
at the opening of the next campaign,
by entering the Burdwan country, as
foon as the prince begins to be in mo-
tion above; and thus our ſupplies from
*The Rajah of Beerboom.
thence
62
A Narrative of the
thence will be again cut off, and the
Company's affairs be reduced to the laſt
extremity of diftrefs, unlefs the approach-
ing ſhips of the feafon relieve us, or the
whole tuncaws on thofe lands could
be collected during the rains. The lat-
ter is hardly poffible in any ferviceable
degree, and the former carries very lit-
tle probability. The late propofal of the
Nabob's to pay our balances, and refumé
his lands, is devoutly to be wifhed; but
it is likewife to be feared he has no
meaning in it.
THE various reafons, urged against the
meaſures of ſupporting the preſent go-
vernment longer on the plan we have
been ſome time purſuing, to the heavy
injury of the Company, with various
expedients to reſcue them from manifeſt
approaching ruin, are ſet forth at large,
in the military correſpondence, in a letter
from the Prefident to major Caillaud,
under dates the 24th and 25th of May,
14th of June, and 3d of July'; to Mr.
Amyatt, under dates the 25th and 30th
of May; to Mr. Haftings, under dates
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
63
the 24th of May, 30th of June, and 5th
and 8th of July. Both the reafons and
expedients, in the preſent ſtate of affairs,
feem rather to confirm than contra-in-
dicate any other; however, the fudden
death of the young Nabob (if made a
proper uſe of) ſeems to point out a middle
way, if things are not gone too far al-
ready, to admit of any other than the di-
veſting this family of the government al-
together *
RESPECTING all matters relative to
the Dutch and the Nabob, the Dutch
and us, the tuncaws and obftructions
raiſed by the Nabob on our collecting
them, as alfo the late fecret treaty be-
tween the Nabob and the Morattas,
&c. they will appear on the face of the
correfpondence without exaggeration."
* See the Prefident's letter to Mr. Haftings of
the 16th of laſt month, and to major Caillaud of
the 26th, on the fame fubject.
Extract
64
A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart,
Governor of Calcutta, to Colonel Cail-
laud, commanding the Army at Patna,
dated Auguft 4, 1760.
I
SUPPOSE the Nabob, when he
anfwers the letters I have wrote
him, will in confequence of your advice
propoſe a meeting, and indeed I think
it highly neceffary. When fuch a con-
ference is refolved upon, I will let you
know in time to be there; and I think
we ſhould find the means of removing
that want of confidence, which I fee now
every moment between the Nabob and
our gentlemen. It is this miſtruſt, that
ſeems to me to be in great meaſure the
caufe of all his difficulties and ours. His
people flight him, imagining, that with
us they will be fure to find protection ;
and on the other hand, thoſe with whom
the Company have to do, thoſe particu-
larly upon whom we have affignments
for money, make uſe of it as an oppor-
tunity of delaying their payments, de-
pending
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
65.
pending on the Nabob's countenancing
their backwardness.
If a negotiation with the prince ſhould
take place, I am fo far from intending
a revolution in theſe provinces, that I
would have the confirmation of the pre-
fent Nabob ftipulated for the firſt arti-
cle; it might, however, be upon con-
dition of his making over to us coun-
tries, to the value of about fifty lacks
per annum. Burdwan and
Burdwan and * Kifnagur
would nearly anfwer that fum, and lie
extremely convenient for us. The Shah-
zada, at the fame time, fhould engage
to furniſh the Company monthly with
twice as much as would defray the charges
of the troops deſtined for his ſervice; and
to confer on the Company, in caſe of his
fuccefs, fuch privileges and advantages
in all parts of India, as their feveral go-
vernors might requeſt."
* Or Nuddea.
VOL. I.
F
Extract
66
A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from Colonel Caillaud
to Mr. Vanfittart, to which Mr. A-
myatt, Chief at Patna, alſo ſubſcribed;
no Date, but received 24 Aug. 1760.
66
IT
T were to be wiſhed, that confi-
dence between us and the Nabob
could be eſtabliſhed; but give me leave
to affure you, that will be no eaſy taſk,
until he changes his counſellors. My
opinion in this is confirmed by Colonel
Clive's judgment, who wanted ſuch a
change, and would have effected it, had
he ſtayed; but I hope the fame from your
management.
THE money matters ftill perplex me
more; the ſtate of our finances at Ben-
gal you are before this acquainted with.
The countries you mention are the beſt
we could have for the fum wanted; but
nothing will induce the Nabob to part
with them, but the fear of our ſtrength
and
power; and not much leſs force is
requifite to keep him in awe, and to pre-
vent enemies from within or without dif
turbing the peace of the Subahſhip, which,
if
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
67
if not perfectly maintained, of confe-
quence the revenues fuffer. The Nabob
would not be a poorer man, by giving
us fifty lacks per annum, with which he
would have a body of forces, that would
do him fervice; and it does not coft him
leſs than that fum for maintaining an uſe-
lefs rabble: but to convince him of this
ftep, there lies the difficulty; the Co-
lonel's laft letter to him was full of falu-
tary inftructions on this head; but he is
of fo mistrustful a nature, that already
our power and influence, though meant
for his good, give him pain; and every
thing that we can propofe, that ſeem-
ingly tends to encreaſe it, gives him um-
brage, and will make him unwillingly
conſent to this, or any other ftep we can
propofe. Be affured of this, that he can
only be frightened into compliance; and
fo you fee it is my opinion, that though
the prince goes, we cannot fend both
men and money to Madras.
In my two laft letters, I have ſpoke
fully as to the affairs of this province;
and gave fuch reaſons as I had for the
F 2
appoint-
68
A Narrative of the
appointment of * Meer Sidoo and Ra-
jebullub; at leaſt what I have moſt
ftrongly urged, and it ſeems to be your
opinion, that no change ſhould be made
for the prefent. The Nabob's ufage of
me in the courfe of this affair hath
piqued me fenfibly; nor will I let it
go
unnoticed. I do not quarrel with the
man for being of a different opinion
with me, had he ingenuouſly told me fo,
for I left all to his choice, and only ad-
viſed him what I thought beft; but he
agreed by his letters to all I propofed,
allowed it was the beft that could be
done, and approved of all my meaſures
whilſt, at the ſame time, he was acting
diametrically oppofite, without ever con-
fidering me, or the engagements I had
entered into upon the ftrength of his
promiſes."
*The Nabob's grandſon.
Extract
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
69
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Amyatt to
Mr. Vanfittart, and Colonel Caillaud..
Dated Patna, October 5, 1760.
GENTLEMEN,
Am favoured with your's of the 25th
ultimo, and am very glad you have
taken fteps to ſupply us with money ;
we have laboured under great difficulties
for want of it, and a ſmall ſupply to
the Nabob's troops would have enabled
Rajebullub to quit this place, who is
very anxious and defirous to get away,
and without fome money he cannot. He
has run the rifque of his life theſe three
days, and I expected an uproar in the
city hourly. To-day they are fomewhat
quiet, and Ramnarain has fent for fome
of the chief commanders to expoftulate
with them; but without fome money
fent him, he ſays, he cannot, nor will
undertake to fatisfy them. I have
talked to Ramnarain all in my power,
to take the command of them, that Raje-
bullub may go; and I cannot but ſay he
has a great deal of reafon on his fide,
F 3
they
70
A Narrative of the
they are ſuch a ſet of rabble, and he
without money, befides his own troops
unpaid; they will not hear reafon ; ſome
money muſt be given immediately, and
where that is to come from he does not
know. The Nabob has not wrote to
them or Rajebullub, and Coffim Allee
Cawn to a very few, ſo that they are
outrageous. They fay, the Colonel and
Rajebullub kept them together; one is
gone, and fent them no money, and the
latter they expect to make their pay good;
ſo that here is a fine fpot of confufion;
our army only prevents matters coming
to extremities. I apprehend, when the
prince hears all this, we fhall have him
move this way. Were all theſe trouble-,
fome forces joined with him it would be
nothing; but they within and the prince
without is bad, though, I hope, as we
are a little quiet to-day, that Ramnarain
will be able to work upon them; Raje-
bullub in thefe matters is a child to the
other."
Extract
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 71
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Amyatt
to Mr. Vanfittart and Colonel Caillaud.
Dated Patna, October 12, 1760.
56
TH
HE Nabob's feepoys are daily
deſerting to the prince; the re-
mainder labour under great difficulties,
and are very troubleſome for their pay."
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Haftings,
Refident at the Nabob's Court, to the
Select Committee at Calcutta. Dated
Muradbaug, July 18, 1760.
હં
Y laſt gave you the melancho-
MY
ly news of the Chuta Nabob's
death. It is proper, that I now acquaint you
with the conſequences of that event here.
No fooner was the intelligence publiſh-
ed, than the feepoys, no longer intimi-
dated by the authority of the Chuta Na-
bob, nor the preſence of the Engliſh
forces, which had hitherto restrained
them from giving fcope to their refent-
ment againſt the Nabob, immediately
concurred to take the advantage, which
his grief, and the confternation cauſed
F 4
by
72
A Narrative of the
by fo fudden and fatal a ſtroke afforded
them, to compel him to pay their long
arrears. They accordingly encompaffed
his palace on the 14th, in a clamorous
manner, but proceeded no further than
to infult the treaſurer and other mutta-
feddees, whom they pulled out of their
pallanquins, and treated with other in-
dignities. The fame diforders continued
the next day. On the 16th, they affem-
bled in a large body, and ſtopped up the
doors of the palace, fuffering none to en-
ter, or come out of it. Numbers mount-
ed on every wall, not excepting the
places held the moſt facred, and loaded
the Nabob with the moſt opprobrious
language, threatening him with death,
if their demands were not complied with.
Such of his courtiers or attendants, as
made their appearance, were affaulted by
fragments broke off from the walls, by
which ſeveral perſons of diſtinction werẻ
wounded. This ſcene lafted two days,
and ſeemed to portend the certain de-
ftruction of the Nabob; when Coffim Al-
lee Cawn, the Nabob's fon-in-law, by
his
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
73:
his interpofition, put a stop to the per-
ſecution, and brought on an accommo-
dation. The Nabob has promiſed to pay
the full arrears from the fixth fun, and
two half months of the prefent year,
as foon as it ſhall appear from the ac-
counts what money is due to them. For this
payment, Coffim Allee Cawn became
fecurity, and paid them immediately
three lacks of rupees from his own trea-
fury. This fatisfied the feepoys, who in-
ſtantly retired to their own habitations.
Though the ſtorm is now blown over,
yet ſhould it return again (which is to
be apprehended, from the ſmall proſpect
there at preſent appears, that the Nabob
will be able to collect fo large a fum as
he has engaged to diſcharge) I much fear
the confequences will prove fatal to the
Nabob, as well from the unrulineſs and
difaffection of the multitude, as from the
machinations of his numerous enemies,
with whom it will be no difficulty to
make thoſe the inftruments of his ruin.
ASSED ZEMMA CAWN, the Rajah of
Beerboom, is affembling forces, and, tho'
no
74
A Narrative of the
no open hoftilities have been committed
by him, it is no longer doubted, but his
defign is to revolt from the prefent go-
vernment."
Tranflation of a Letter from the Nabob
to Colonel Caillaud.
66
FOR
ORMERLY the command of the
forces, the government of the
country, the regulating of the army, and
raifing of troops, were the office of the
Nabob Nafir-ool-moolk, deceaſed. At
this time, excepting my beloved fon Meer
Mahomed Coffim Cawn Behader, there
is none of my ſons or brethren equal to
that truft, and I have now received great-
er proofs than ever of his merit. For
this reaſon I have judged my fon afore-
faid worthy of, and proper for the di-
rection of all military operations and af-
fairs of the adminiſtration, in the fame
manner with the Nabob Nafir-ool-moolk,
deceaſed. I doubt not, that you have
the fame opinion of the qualities and ca-
pacity of my fon aforefaid; and the friend-
fhip you entertain for him is free from
deceit
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
75
deceit and defign. From the entire
dependance, which he places upon your
eſtabliſhed acquaintance and friendſhip,
he hopes that you will affift him on
this occafion, by exerting your influence
fo effectually in his behalf, that Mhara-
jah Ramnarain Behader may be entirely
pleaſed with my fon, and maintain
a friendly intercourfe with him; that
when required he may afford the faid
Mharajah his affiftance and fupport, as
the late Nabob Nafir-ool-moolk did. By
this our friendſhip will be daily aug-
mented, the affairs of the government
will profper, and you will do me à great
pleaſure."
Tranflation of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Holwell. Received July 10, 1760.
SC
HE letter you wrote me concern-
THE
ing Meer Mahomed Coffim Al-
lee Cawn, I have received. You ac-
quaint me, he is a noble, good, and
brave man. Mr. Haftings alſo has ſpoke
me to the fame purpoſe, and has defired
me, to let him fucceed my fon. This re-
joiced,
76
A Narrative of the
joiced me much, becauſe I was fenfible
he is highly deferving of my favour and
friendſhip. I have no friends dearer to
me than himſelf and family, and ſhould
be very glad, if it was in my power to
give it him; but the Colonel has wrote
me a letter*, a copy whereof I have in-
cloſed for your perufal, and you will then
be able to judge, what motive has induc-
ed me to prefer the Chuta Nabob's fon."
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee at Calcutta, to the Prefident and
Council of Fort St. George. Dated
July 28, 1760.
E have received your favours of
"WE
the 12th June and 7th July, and
are forry to find there is any proſpect of
being under the neceffity of raiſing the
blockade of Pondicherry. We flatter our-
felves, however, that affairs will take a
more favorable turn; and that when the
expected fuccours arrive, you will be
fully enabled to carry into execution your
moſt fanguine expectations. We moſt
* This was a letter, recommending the infant
grandfon under the guardianfhip of Rajebullub.
ardently
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
77
ardently wish it were in our power to
affift you on this important occafion with
men or money; but fuch is our fitua-
tion, that notwithſtanding our unwea-
ried endeavors, we are not able to effect
either. The Shahzada, with his forces,
had croffed the river Soane, which af-
forded a profpect of the Patna province
being reſtored to peace for a few months
at leaſt; but the death of the young Na-
bob, which happened by a flaſh of light-
ning on the 3d of July, has encouraged
the Shahzada to return within a few cofe
of Patna. Major Caillaud, with our
troops, and thoſe of the Nabob under
his command, by our lateſt advices, was
in that city, ſo that an action may very
probably enfue.
EVERY method has in vain been tried
for raiſing a ſum of money, as well for
ſupplying your fettlement, as providing
an inveſtment here for the Company.
The troubles which have this ſeaſon con-
tinued fo late in the country, have fo much
impeded the collection of our tuncaws,
that for a confiderable time paft, we have
had
78
A Narrative of the
had little more money in our treaſury,
than fufficient to defray the current ex-
pences of the fettlement. This being
the real fituation of our affairs, we per-
fuade ourſelves you will be convinced,
that your not receiving the fupplies you
may have expected from us, is not owing
to any neglect in us; as we can on the
contrary affure you, we ſhould, on all oc-
cafions, moft chearfully contribute every
thing in our power for the good of the
fervice in general.”
Extract of a Confultation held at Cal-
cutta the 7th of Auguft, 1760. Pre-
fent Meffieurs Vanfittart, Sumner, Hol-
well, M'Gwire, Batfon, Verelſt,
Smyth, and Smith.
IN
N order to determine upon the ex-
pediency of complying with the
application of the Committee of Au-
rungs, for a fufficient advance of money,
to compleat the inveſtment intended this
year, the Board think it neceffary to en-
quire into the préfent ftate of the trea-
fury; and the further fupplies that we
have
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
79
have to depend on, fuppofing none to
come from Europe by the ſhips of this
feafon; and to fet againſt them first, the
indiſpenſable demands for the current
charges of the Preſidency, as the pay
the troops, the marine charges, the for-
tifications and repairs, &c.
of
ACCORDINGLY, the following cal-
culation * is now framed to include a
whole year, commencing the 1ft of Au-
guſt 1760, and ending the 31st of July
1761.
Rupees.
the}
1,00,000
Remaining this day in the
treaſury
To
* The amount of this calculation is 37,50,000
rupees, to which we may add twelve lacks for the
yearly amount of the lack of rupees per month,
which the Nabob had ftipulated to be paid for the
field expences of our troops. The whole fum will
be 49,50,000; of which it is to be obſerved, that
thirty-feven lacks were to be paid by the Nabob,
and therefore could by no means be depended on.
The remainder is only 12,50,000 rupees, a fum
very infufficient for defraying even the current ex-
pences of the fettlement.
80
A Narrative of the
Rupees.
To be received from the Na-
2-2
bob the full amount of his >25,00,000
debt, about
To be received from the Com-
pany's lands
{25,00,000
n-} 8,00,000
Land and fea cuſtoms
In fales in the import ware-
houſe, and bills of ex-
1,50,000
2,00,000
change on Europe
37,50,000
Or which it may be computed, that
eighteen lacks of rupees will be required
for the indifpenfable charges of the troops,
fortifications, &c. for twelve months,
from the 1st of Auguft 1760, to the 31ft
of July 1761. And the Prefident re-
preſents to the Board, that the want of
money upon the coaft began to be very
preffing before he left it; fo that there
feems to be an abfolute and immediate
neceffity for ſending at leaſt ten lacks to
Madras,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
81
Madras, otherwiſe the vaft fums already
diſburſed there, and all the advantages
thereby acquired over the enemy, will be
loft, at a criſis too, when there is a great
probability of purſuing the blow with fuc-
ceſs to the utmoſt accompliſhment of our
wiſhes, by the reduction of Pondicherry.
THESE ten lacks for Madras, muft there-
fore be made up out of the firft money
than can be got together, whether by loan
or by the Nabob's tuncaws and affign-
ments. There will yet remain ten lacks
out of the foregoing computation, which
will ferve to begin upon an inveſtment
next year, if no other more urgent oc-
caſion ſhould demand a ſupply from it.
BUT for the preſent year, it is abſo-
lutely impoffible, unleſs our honorable
maſters ſhould, contrary to their laſt
mentioned intentions, fend us a ſupply
on the expected ſhips. Upon the whole,
it is the unanimous opinion of the board,
that it will be moft for the Company's
intereſt, in this cafe of neceffity, to stop
any further advances on account of this
year's inveſtment.”
VOL. I.
G
Copy
82
A Narrative of the
Copy of a Letter from Mr. Sykes to Mr.
Vanfittart. Dated Coffimbuzar, Sep-
tember 16, 1760.
I Now encloſe you two letters from
the Nabob, on perufal of which
you will find I have not been fucceff-
ful in my application to him for the fou-
gedarree of Chittagong and Silhet. He
has acquainted me juft now with the re-
fult of his conſultation yeſterday with his
miniſters, which is a downright refufal,
alledging, that theſe two provinces he
has affigned for the maintenance of
two of his fons, and Moniloll acts as
their Dewan. I informed him, that you
did not mean, that our having theſe two
countries ſhould be any lofs to him in
his revenues, "as we would pay the fame
as the prefent poffeffor does; yet he ſeems
to think, that if we have once a factory
at Chittagong, his people will be great-
ly controuled in the tranfactions in thoſe
parts."
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
83
Copy of the Proceedings at a Select Com-
mittee held at Calcutta, Sept. 11, 1760.
Prefent Mef. Vanfittart, Caillaud,
Sumner, Holwell, and McGwire.
6
HE Colonel informs the Com-
THE
mittee, that he left Patna the
31ft of laſt month, at which time the
prince was at Dowdnagore on this fide
the Soane; that all the reports of his
croffing it were over, and that Monfieur
Law, with Mudara Dowla, was pre-
paring to repafs the river and join him.
It was faid, their next motion would be
towards Camgar Cawn, with whom the
operations of the next campaign were to
be fettled.
BEFORE We refolve upon a plan
of future operations, we will attempt a
defcription of the ftate the Company's
affairs are now in; and this not to be
confined to Bengal, but with regard alſo
to the exigencies of the other fettlements,
who are told to depend on this for fup-
plies of money. Our influence encreaſing
from time to time, fince the revolution
brought
Ģ 2
84 A Narrative of the
brought about by Colonel Clive, ſo have
we been obliged to encreaſe our force to
ſupport that influence. We have now
more than a thouſand Europeans and five
thouſand feepoys, which, with the con-
tingent expences of an army, is far more
than the revenues allotted for their main-
tenance. This deficiency was not fo
much attended to whilft the immenſe
fums ftipulated by the laft treaty were
coming in; but theſe refources being
now quite exhaufted, and no fupplies of
money coming from Europe, it becomes
immediately neceffary to fecure to the
Company fuch an income as will bear
them clear of charges, and bring in be-
fides a fupply for the emergencies of their
other fettlements, and for providing
cargoes for loading home their ſhips.
THE firſt queſtion then that natural-
ly occurs is this;
WHETHER that great force is wanted?
THAT a lefs force would fecure the
fettlement of Fort William, with its
former bounds againſt any thing that is
now in the country, is not to be doubt-
ed;
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
85
ed; but it is as certain, that nothing but
that influence and weight, which we
maintain by the largenefs of our force,
can poffibly prevent the well known de-
figns of the two principal European
powers, who have long fhared with us
the benefits of the trade of this coun-
try; and to this we may add, that the
nearer we approach to a peace in Europe,
the nearer we are to our danger here.
THESE Confiderations having their due
weight, we believe few will difpute the
neceffity of keeping up our prefent force,
perhaps augmenting it. This granted,
it follows, that means must be found
within ourſelves of fupporting the ex-
pence; and theſe means can be no other,
than a proportionable ſhare of the reve-
nues of the country. By the treaty made
with the preſent Nabob, he is obliged,
as often as it may be requifite for our
troops to take the field, to furniſh a lack
of rupees a month for their expence ;
but the uncertainty of this payment
has been too long experienced to be any
more depended on; nor indeed, is it by
:
G 3
any
86
A Narrative of the
-
any means fufficient to anſwer the pur
pofe, fuppofing the payments regularly
made. It muſt therefore be propoſed to
the Nabob, to affign to the Company a
much larger income, and to affign it in
fuch a full and ample manner, by giving
to the Company the fole right of fuch dif
tricts, as lay moft convenient for our
management, that we may no longer be
ſubject to the inconveniencies we expe-
rienced from the late tuncaws, being or-
ders only on a certain part of the reve
nues. From the experienced weakneſs
and unſteadineſs of the Nabob himſelf,
and the nature of thoſe dependents, who
now oppoſe every encreaſe of our power,
as their own will be proportionably lef-
fened, it is to be ſuppoſed, that ſuch a
propofal would meet with all the diffi-
culties that could poffibly be thrown in
our way. Notwithſtanding theſe diffi-
culties, we will fuppofe, that we ſhould
have weight enough to overrule his coun-
fellors, and obtain his confent, we then
juft keep our prefent footing; we have
a fund for paying our troops, and thoſe
troops
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
87
troops muſt be employed in the fervice
of the Nabob; and this fervice the fame
as for theſe two years paft, in oppofing
the Shahzada, whofe defigns on theſe
provinces, it is almoft certain, will ftill
be purfued.
FROM the experience of theſe two years
it is pretty clear that our troops, tho’victo-
rious in the field, yet cannot by their fuccefs
put an end to the troubles. The fame caufe
which has prevented it before ſtill exifts;
the nature of thofe people, in alliance
with whom we are to act, who will not
purſue the advantages we gain; and we
not having the means in our power, for
want of a body of cavalry under our
command. Thus the war may be pro-
tracted for years to come; and everÿ year
the Nabob's circumſtances are worſe and
worfe, thro' an increaſe of expence, and
lofs of revenues, not only by thế đêvaf-
tations which the enemy may make, but
by the continual defection of fome of
his own Rajahs and dependents; many
in the courſe of the two laft years have
declared themſelves; and that others are
G 4
ripe
88
A Narrative of the
}
ripe for doing the fame is not to be
doubted; particularly the Rajah of Beer-
boom, in a letter the Governor lately
received from him, has ſpoke his fenti-
ments very freely. The province of
Patna is already fo much reduced by the
two campaigns, as to be incapable of
affording fubfiſtance to the prince any
longer, who must always find on the
fpot the means of carrying on the war,
having no reſources within himſelf; and
who confequently muft, thro' neceffity,
attempt next year to penetrate further
into Bengal; and in this he will no
doubt be encouraged, by the fuccefs
which attended his laſt year's incurfion
as far as Burdwan.
IT is therefore next to be confidered,
whether it is beft for the intereft of the
Nabob to purſue the prefent meaſures,
by continuing to oppofe the Shahzada,
or to fupport him in his pretenfions to
the crown of Delly. The two parties
ftill fubfift, between whom the throne is
diſputed, or rather who ſhall give a King
* A copy of this letter is fubjoined, Page 92.
to
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
89
to that throne. One of thoſe parties *
has repeatedly invited the Shahzada to
him; and it is well known what offers
he has made, both to the Nabob and us,
for our affiftance. The fame reafons
may be ſuppoſed yet to have their weight
with him, while the difpute remains
undecided. And is it not probable,
that ſuch an affiſtance given to the
prince, and thrown into Abdallee's ſcale,
would enfure the fuccefs of the enter-
prize? The immediate confequence of
this to Bengal, would be clearing the
country of an enemy, by removing the
cauſe, whence all the late troubles and
confufion have arofe; and if we, with
reaſon, flatter ourſelves we ſhould fuc-
ceed, what advantages may not the Com-
pany expect?
SUPPOSING this change of meaſures
does not appear to the Nabob in the light
we have repreſented, it is to be confi-
dered, whether the exigencies of the
Company's affairs before deſcribed, do
not require our forming fuch connections
* The Abdallee.
inde-
90
A Narrative of the
independently of him, as may overrule
the advice and fway of his creatures and
minifters.
THE unfortunate death of the young
Nabob, having created a number of fe-
parate intereſts, which it is impoffible to
conciliate to the fatisfaction of all, and
thereby gives the faireft opportunity to
any other European power, to gain a
party to fupport them in their defigns of
eſtabliſhing an influence here, is an in-
ducement to make us follow fuch a fyf-
tem, as will put this moft out of their
power.
THE fhare of influence we now en-
joy in theſe provinces, however great in
appearance, does not carry with it thoſe
real advantages, and weighty effects,
which are neceffary not to leave that
power in danger of being difputed, and
of failing us at a time when we moſt
want it; and nothing is more probable,
than that That period will happen on a
peace. To prevent the evil confequences
of this, there feems now to offer fuch an
opportunity of fecuring to ourſelves all
that
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
91
that we could wiſh in this reſpect, as it is
likely may never happen again; an op-
portunity that will give us both power
and right.
ANOTHER principal motive that urges
us to think of changing our fyftem, is
the want of money: a want that is not
confined to ourſelves alone, but upon
which greatly depend the operations of
the coaft; the reduction of Pondicherry;
and the proviſion of an inveſtment for
loading home the next year's ſhips at all
the three Prefidencies.
IT is hardly to be doubted, that the
Shahzada would be willing to enter into
a negotiation with us independent of the
Nabob; but ſuch a meaſure would nei-
ther be for the intereft, nor the honor
of our nation: our views in adopting
this fyftem, ſhould be directed rather to
ftrengthen, than weaken or overthrow
the prefent Nabob. All we defire is,
to ſee the power removed out of the hands
of that fort of men, who now rule and
direct his affairs, and through whofe mif-
management and frauds, the country and
his
92
A Narrative of the
his adminiſtration ſuffer ſo confiderably;
and to have ſuch a ſhare of power in-
veſted in the Company, as will enable
them to prevent the bad confequences of
fo many contending intereſts; will ef-
fectually put a stop to that diffipation of
revenues, which has reduced the Nabob
to his preſent diftreffed condition; which
revenue, if properly applied, would leave
neither him, nor us, any thing to fear
from the defigns of any enemy; and ef-
fectually fecure to us fuch a fund, as
would anſwer all our prefent preffing ex-
igencies; and in time, prove an increaſe
of honor and advantage to the Nation,
and the Company."
The Prefident lays before the Committee
the following Letter, which he lately re-
ceived from the Rajah of Beerboom.
"T THA
HANKS be given to the Al-
mighty at this happy time; I
have received your moſt kind letter, ac-
quainting me of your appointment to the
adminiſtration of the affairs of the Com-
pany,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
93.
:
pany, and your fafe arrival in Calcutta.
It has filled my heart with a joy too great
for expreffion, and I have offered up my
praiſes to God for it. May the Almigh-
ty beſtow on you a daily encreaſe of ho-
nor, and incline
you to favor your well-
wiſher. This is the ftate of my affairs.
By the countenance of you, gentlemen,
my Zemindarree had begun to put on a
flouriſhing appearance; but lately, fince
I have been deprived of that advantage,
the magiftrate of the country *, who
has rebelled againſt his fovereign, afflicts
every man of worth and honor with infults
and indignities, from which the ftrict-
eft obedience is no fecurity. By the com-
mands of the Lord of the univerſe, I
have put myſelf in readineſs, you are a
wife and confiderate man. The princi-
ples of your religion ordain, that every
man ſhould be put in poffeffion of his
right; and by your cuſtoms too, the
King is entitled to obedience. Theſe
confiderations added to the long friend-
ſhip I have had for your country, per-
* The Nabob.
fuade
94
A Narrative of the
i
1
ſuade me, that
me, that you will engage in no cauſe
inno
that ſhall oppofe that of Shah Aalum;
fince your inclinations and mine are al-
ways the fame, I hope, from the counte-
nance of your favor, to be always made
happy by the news of your welfare, and
that you will take care of me.”
Extract of the Proceedings of a Select
Committee, held at Calcutta, the 15th
of Sept. 1760. Prefent Mef. Vanfit-
tart, Caillaud, Sumner, Holwell, and
McGwire.
66
THE
HE great objects of our delibe-
ration are, firft, the fecuring a
fund of money for the prefent and fu-
ture exigencies of this fettlement, as well
as the other two prefidencies, no money
being expected from Europe; and, fe-
condly, the putting an end to the diftur-
bances fomented and kept up by the
Shahzada in feveral parts of theſe pro-
vinces, that the whole may be united
under the Nabob, and he put under the
more immediate influence of the Com-
pany, whofe force is his chief fupport
and
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
95
and dependance, by this means enabling
us to join a large body of country troops
to our own, to oppofe any attempts of
European or country powers.
THE queſtion to be confidered is,
Whether we can beſt arrive at theſe ends
by following the prefent fyftem of op-
pofing the Shahzada, or by propofing to
him an alliance with the Engliſh, and
the affiftance of part of our forces to pro-
ceed with him to Delly, and fupport him
in his pretenfions to the throne.
THE difficulties on both fides hay-
ing been confidered, refolved unanimouf
ly, that the entering into an alliance with
the Shahzada, is a neceffary and expedient
meaſure. The Prefident is accordingly
defired to prefs Coffim Allee Cawn on the
fubject of our expences, and our great
diſtreſs for money; fo as to draw from
him fome propofal of means for remov-
ing thoſe difficulties, by which poffibly
we may be able to form a judgment,
whether he might not be brought to
join in this negotiation, and in procur-
ing the Nabob's confent."
Extract
96
A Narrative of the
Extract of the Proceedings of a Select
Committee, held at Calcutta the 16th of
Sept. 1760. Prefent Mef. Vanfittart,
Caillaud, Sumner, Holwell, and
McGwire.
66
TH
ཀ
HE Prefident acquaints the
Committee, that in a long con-
verſation he had laſt night with Coffim
Allee Cawn, he had an opportunity
of making fome progrefs towards the
diſcoveries requifite for carrying on
the negociation propofed yeſterday; and
that without letting him know any
thing of our defign, he had led him
to make fuch declarations of his de-
fire to have the rule over the Nabob,
and the general management of the af-
fairs of the province, as amount almoft
to a proof of his readineſs to act the part
intended for him. After telling him
much of our regard, and of our opinion
of him, as the fitteft perfon for con-
ducting the great affairs of the Ben-
gal government, I began to make him
ſtrong repreſentations on the ſubject of
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
97
the Company's expences, that the im-
mediate charges of the army, far exceed-
ed the fum affigned for that purpoſe *,
which fum was not regularly paid, there
being now three or four months arrears;
that befides this, he could not but be fen-
fible how much the Company gave up
in other parts, for the fecurity of Ben-
gal, withdrawing their forces from the
Deccan and Madras, and fending con-
tinually freſh ſupplies from Europe. I
repreſented to him further, the great
lofs the Company had ſuffered by the
long continuance of the preſent war with
the Shahzada, and how much it was to
be wiſhed, that an end could be put to
it, fo as to enable the Nabob to reduce
his expences, and collect his full reve-
nues, of which a great part is now loſt
by the ravage of the enemy, particu-
larly the whole produce of the Patna
province.
* At this period the Company's military and o-
ther charges in Bengal amounted, at the loweſt cal-
culation, to upwards of 200,000 1. per annum, and
their nett revenue did not exceed 80,000 1.
VOL. I.
H
IN
98
A Narrative of the
IN anſwer to this Coffim Allee Cawn
replied, that he has it not at preſent in
his power to provide in a proper manner
for the ſupply of the Company; that if
we could undertake to give him the ge-
neral management of the country, by
taking it out of the hands of thoſe who
are now entruſted with it by the Nabob,
he would then make fuch affignments
in favor of the Company, as ſhould be
perfectly to our fatisfaction. At the fame
time he infinuated, that this would un-
doubtedly meet with oppofition at Moor-
ſhedabad, and at firft prove very diſa-
greeable to the Nabob himſelf, for which
reaſon it would be quite neceffary to have
a force at hand to fupport him, by which,
being enabled to over-rule the prefent
evil counſellors of the Nabob, he could
anfwer for bringing the Nabob himſelf
into fuch terms as fhould be agreed on
here."
THE ſeaſon was now begun, when our
forces were to take the field againſt a
powerful enemy, whilft we had ſcarce a
rupee in our treafury to enable us to put
them
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
99
them in motion. The eafy channel, in
which the Company's affairs ran, whilſt
the fums ftipulated by the treaty lafted,
had diverted their attention from the
diftreffes which muft unavoidably fall
on them, whenever that fund ſhould be
exhauſted; and continuing to act on the
fame extenfive plan in which they ſet
out, they now found themſelves furround-
ed by numberless difficulties, which were
heightened by the particular circum-
ſtances of the country at this period, and
weighed down with the very advantages
which they had acquired, that is, an
eſtabliſhment which had loft the foun-
dation on which it was built; a milita-
ry force proportioned to their connec-
tions and influence in the country, with-
out the means of fubfiftance; a fortifica--
tion begun upon the fame extenſive plan
at a vaſt expence; and an alliance with a
power unable to fupport itſelf, and
threatening to involve them in the fame
ruin.
HAD the Nabob's
indolence and
weakneſs been the only faults in his
H 2
charac-
3
100
A Narrative of the
ناير
character, deftructive as they were to
the welfare of the country, and the in-
tereſt of the Company, I fhould have
felt more ſeverely the neceffity I was
under of entering into any meaſures,
that might have a tendency to diffolve the
engagements between him and the Com-
pany; but when I found a general dif-
affection againſt his government, and a
deteftation of his perfon and principles
prevail in the country, amongst all ranks
and degrees of people, not only from the
effects of the extortions and oppreffions
of his minifters, but from the many
murders with which his fhort adminif
tration had been fullied, eſpecially the
horrid maffacre perpetrated by his order
at Dacca, and at this time recent in
every mind; I confefs, I had the leſs
reluctance to join in fuch meaſures; ſince,
if the Nabob's jealouſy or diſtruſt of us
fhould fo far prevail, as to make him
rather part with his government, than
put into our hands the means of reme-
dying the diforders which had been in-
troduced into it, the confequence would
prove
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
IOI
prove rather a general good, than a fub-
ject of reproach.
SUCH being the fituation of affairs
when the ſcene of action began to open,
there was no time to be loft. The offers
made by Meer Coffim, independently
of the benefits which would accrue to
the Company from them, preſented to
us the only means of evading the
dangers, which threatened the very exiſ-
tence of the Company, of removing the
war from the country, and remedying
the diſorders of the government. The
Committee, therefore, after many con-
ferences with Meer Coffim, unanimouf-
ly agreed upon a treaty with him, which
was executed the 27th of September, and
was as follows:
!
Copy of the Treaty concluded between Mr.
Vanfittart, the Gentlemen * of the
Select Committee, and the Nabob
Meer Mahomed Coffim Allee Cawn.
"
FIRST, The Nabob Meer Maho-
med Jaffier Cawn fhall continue
in the poffeffion of his dignities, and all
H 3
affairs
* Mef. Caillaud, Sumner, Holwell, and M'Gwire.
102
A Narrative of the
affairs be tranfacted in his name, and a
fuitable income ſhall be allowed for his
expences.
SECOND, The * Neabut of the Sou-
badarree of Bengal, Azimabad, and O-
riffa, &c, ſhall be conferred by his Ex-
cellency the Nabob on Meer Mahomed
Coffim Cawn. He fhall be vefted with
the adminiſtration of all the affairs of the
provinces, and after his Excellency he
ſhall ſucceed to the government.
THIRD, Betwixt us and Meer Maho-
med Coffim Cawn, a firm friendſhip and
union is eſtabliſhed. His enemies are
our enemies, and his friends are our
friends.
FOURTH, The Europeans and fee-
poys of the Engliſh army fhall be ready
to affift the Nabob Meer Mahomed Cof-
fim Cawn in the management of all af-
fairs, and in all affairs dependent on him,
they ſhall exert themſelves to the utmoſt
of their-abilities.
FIFTH, For all charges of the Com-
pany, and of the faid army, and provi-
Deputy government.
fions
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 103
fions for the field, &c. the lands of Burd-
wan, Midnapoor, and Chittagong, fhall
be affigned, and funnuds for that pur-
poſe ſhall be written and granted. The
Company is to ftand to all loffes, and re-
ceive all the profits of theſe three coun-
tries; and we will demand no more than
the three affignments aforefaid.
SIXTH, One half of the Chunam
produced at Silhet for three
for three years,
ſhall be purchaſed by the Gomaſtahs of
the Company, from the people of the
government, at the customary rate of
that place. The tenants and inhabitants
of that place ſhall receive no injury.
SEVENTH, The balance of the former
tuncaws fhall be paid according to the
Kiftbundee agreed upon with the Roy-
royan. The jewels, which have been
pledged, ſhall be received back again.
EIGHTH, We will not allow the
tenants of the Sircar to fettle in the
lands of the English Company. Neither
fhall the tenants of the Company be al-
lowed to fettle in the lands of the Sircar.
H 4
NINTH,
104
A Narrative of the
NINTH, We will give no protection
to the dependants of the Sircar, in the
lands or factories of the Company, nei-
ther ſhall any protection be given to the
dependants of the Company, in the lands
of the Sircar; and whoever fhall fly to
either party for refuge ſhall be given up.
TENTH, The meaſures for war or
peace with the Shahzada, and raiſing
fupplies of money, and the concluding
both theſe points, fhall be weighed in
the ſcale of reaſon, and whatever is judg-
ed expedient ſhall be put in execution;
and it ſhall be ſo contrived by our joint
counfels, that he be removed from this
country, nor ſuffered to get any footing
in it. Whether there be peace with the
Shahzada or not, our agreement with
Meer Mahomed Coffim Cawn, we will,
by the grace of God, inviolably obſerve,
as long as the English Company's facto-
ries continue in the country.
Dated the 27th of September, 1760,
in the year of the Hegira, 1174.”
SECTION
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
105
SECTION IV.
Mr. Vanfittart's Journey to Moorſheda-
bad, in confequence of the Refolutions
of the Select Committee, with his
Proceedings there, till the Refignation
of Meer Jaffier, and the Promotion of
Meer Coffim to the Subahſhip.
Select Committee's Inftructions to Mr.
Vanfittart, and Colonel Caillaud.-Let-
ter from Mr. Vanfittart to the Select
Committee, containing an Account of
his first Interview with the Nabob.-
Reafons for making Ufe of Force against
Meer Jaffier.-Letter from Mr. Van-
fittart, and Colonel Caillaud, contain-
ing an Account of their Proceedings, the
Refignation of Meer Jaffier, and Pro-
motion of Meer Coffim.-Two Letters
from Mr. Vanfittart to Mr. Ellis.
Two Letters from Mr. Vanfittart and
Colonel Caillaud to the Select Commit-
tee.—Letter from the Select Commit-
tee to Mr. Vanfittart, and Colonel Cail-
laud, approving of their Proceedings.-
Two
106
A Narrative of the
Two Letters from Mr. Ellis to Mr.
Vanfittart.-Mr. Vanfittart returns to
Calcutta, and reports his Proceedings to
the Council.-Mef. Verelft and Smythe
object to the Proceedings.-Mr. Vanfit-
tart's Reply to their Objections.—Mr.
Vanfittart's Memorial concerning the
Revolution.
EER COSSIM fet out for Moor-
ME
ſhedabad, a day or two after the
execution of the treaty; and the Com-
mittee having defired me and Colonel
Caillaud to follow him, as being the
moſt likely way of bringing the Nabob
into our meaſures. We accordingly
fet out the 2d of October, having receiv-
ed from the Select Committee our in-
ftructions, as follows:
Copy of the Select Committee's Inftruc-
tions to Mr. Vanfittart and Colonel
Caillaud.
A
S fome days have already elapfed
fince the Prefident, at the defire of
theCommittee, wrote to Mr. Amyatt of the
intend-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
107
intended negotiation with the Shahzada;
and as one copy of Roydoolub's letter to
the prince has been forwarded by his own
people, we may expect, that within fifteen
or twenty days from this time, ſomething
of it will tranſpire, and the report ſpread
to Moorfhedabad. It is not to be doubt-
ed, but that the Nabob will be extreme-
ly alarmed at the firſt news of it, and
that thoſe who now rule him, will uſe
their influence to encreaſe his fears and
fufpicions, and to make him as averfe as
poffible to acquiefce in the meaſures
we propoſe to adopt, and to which Cof-
fim Allee Cawn has acceded. It will be
neceſſary to have perfons commiffioned
with full powers from hence, and that
they be fuch, as will have weight enough
on the one part to keep Coffim Al-
lee Cawn firm to the agreements he has
entered into; and, on the other, to fup-
port him ſo ſtrongly, as to enable him
to over-rule the Nabob, and all his pre-
fent adviſers.
THIS entire confidence we place in
you, impowering you to act according
tc
108
A Narrative of the
to your own difcretion in all circum-
ſtances that may occur; and the better
to enable you to accomplish our inten-
tions, and prevent any diſturbance, we
have thought proper to make a detach-
ment of two compleat companies of
military, a Company of artillery, with
four pieces of cannon, and captain Tab-
by's battalion of feepoys, who are to act
under your orders. This detachment is
repreſented to the Nabob, as defigned
to reinforce the army at Patna, but it is
not our intention that they ſhall proceed
further than Coffimbuzar, unleſs the ap-
proach of the Beerboom, or other difaf-
fected Rajahs or Zemindars, ſhould make
it neceffary to fend them out to oppoſe
them.
IF the affairs of Patna ſhould not ab-
folutely require the Colonel's immediate-
ly proceeding there, we would have him
remain at Moorſhedabad, till this affair
ſhall be ſettled there, and the govern-
ment put under the regulation propoſed;
in which cafe you will pleaſe to forward
to Mr. Amyatt, the general inftructions
of
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
109
of the 24th and 25th, directed to him
and the Colonel, with orders to captain
Knox to co-operate with the chief of
Patna, in the execution of the faid in-
ftructions. When the Colonel proceeds
to Patna, major Yorke will remain with
the command of the detachment, and
will follow the orders of the Governor
for his further proceedings.
You will be continually adviſed of
the news we may receive, and of
any al-
teration that may happen here, in order
that you may take the neceffary mea-
fures for fending back the detachment,
in cafe any danger from abroad fhould
threaten the fettlement.'
WE reached Coffimbuzar the 14th of
October, and the next morning the Na-
bob paid me a viſit, during which I re-
preſented to him the neceffity of his tak-
ing ſome vigorous and immediate mea-
fures, for removing the dangers which
threatened the provinces under his go-
vernment on every fide; offering my
hearty affiftance, of which at the fame
time he ſeemed to be willing to accept ;
fo
TIO
A Narrative of the
fo that I had great hopes he would have
conſented to our propoſals, and it was in
that mind I wrote the Committee the
following letter.
Copy of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart to
the Select Committee. Dated Cof-
fimbuzar, October 15, 1760.
I CAME here by eafy ftages, in order
to give time for Coffim Allee Cawn,
as well as the detachment, to arrive be-
fore me. Yeſterday evening I reached
this place, and this morning the Nabob
did me the honor of a vifit. After the
firſt ceremonies, he defired a private
converſation, which he opened, by re-
preſenting the dangerous fituation of af-
fairs at Patna, and defired the Colonel
might be ſent back with all poffible ex-
pedition. This gave me the opportuni-
ty of picturing to him the general weak
condition of his government, occafion-
ed not fo much by the want of means in
the country, as by the abuſe and evil ad-
miniſtration of thofe to whom he had
entruſted the management; that the Co-
lonel's
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
III
lonel's going toPatna, without a large fum
of money, would be of no ufe; and that it
is not by temporary remittances of forty
or fifty thouſand rupees, that the preſent
confufion can be remedied, or his affairs
carried on in future, but by fome gene-
ral regulation, which may give more con-
fidence to his officers and troops. I
deſcribed every thing in the worſt light
I could, hoping, that by magnifying
his difficulties, I might bring him more
eafily to conſent to thoſe meaſures, which
we have refolved on. This feemed to
operate in the manner I could wiſh; he
faid more than once, that he would glad-
ly follow any advice I ſhould propoſe to
him, defired that I would confider the
matter fully between this and to-morrow
evening, and promiſed on his part to do
the fame, and that he would then meet
me at Muradbaug, and come to fuch
determination as I fhall approve. Upon
the whole, I have great hopes I ſhall be
able to obtain the propoſed advantages
for the Company. Obtain them indeed,
I will at all events, but I hope, and much
wiſh,
II2
A Narrative of the
wiſh, to get it done without exerting any
force.
P. S. INCLOSED is a letter from Mr.
Amyatt. Troubles muſt be expected at
Patna, until means are found of paying
ſome money to the Nabob's troops. The
Nabob's not writing himſelf after repeat-
edly preffing us to do it was very extra-
ordinary; however, I am not forry at this
time to have ſo ſtriking an inftance to
urge of the weakneſs and unfteadineſs
of his preſent government."
The following is an Extract of Mr. A-
myatt's Letter here mentioned. Patna,
October 4, 1760.
GENTLEMEN,
HE Nabob has not wrote to Ra-
TH
jebullub, and by what Mr. Sykes
writes to me, he will not till he has feenCo-
lonel Caillaud; but notwithſtanding this,
Rajebullub is very willing and glad to go
to Moorfhedabad, and wanted to fet out
immediately; the army hearing this,
furrounded his houſe, abuſed, and uſed
him
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
113
him ill, feized upon his boats, and for
theſe three days paſt, there has been fuch
a ſcene of confufion, I cannot expreſs
it; the feepoys are no ways under their
commanders, and do almoſt what they
pleaſe; and this ſcene is likely to conti-
nue, and probably may end in Rajebul-
lub's being cut off, or fome difafter up-
on the city; nothing but the fear of our
army prevents it, for a trifle will ftir
them up to raſhneſs; however, they have
obliged him to fwear he will not go,
till money or Coffim Allee Cawn comes;
indeed, they will not let him go, and
uſe him moſt exceffively ill."
BUT thefe hopes were foon loft. From
the 15th to the 20th, I tried every means
to bring the Nabob to reafon; but I
found his jealoufy and indolence immove-
able, ſo that my only choice was to make
ufe of forcible meaſures, and act upon the
Nabob's fears, or elfe to return with dif-
grace to Calcutta, after having juſt done
enough to create a breach between the
Nabob and the English; Meer Coffim
would have been left a facrifice to the
VOL. I.
I
Nabob's
7
1
3
1
114 A Narrative of the
Nabob's reſentment, for the engagements
he had entered into with us; the Na-
bob himſelf would have fallen under the
weight of the diſorders of his govern-
ment, and the licentiouſneſs of his un-
paid troops; the Engliſh army at Pat-
na would have been ruined for want of
their pay; and the provinces, in all pro-
bability, have become an eafy conqueſt to
the Shahzada; or what was yet worſe,
have been ravaged by his followers, and
the difaffected Zemindars: I need not
add, that the Company muſt have been
involved in this general ruin.
were the weighty confiderations which
fixed my refolution; and I thought I
could not do otherwife, than try the ef-
fect of the force I had in my hands.
The fuccefs of this refolution was im-
mediately reported to the Select Com-
mittee, in a letter from myſelf and Colo-
nel Caillaud, dated the 21st of October ;
and as all the circumſtances of the tranf-
action are there plainly and fully related,
I here infert a copy, as the moſt faithful
account that can be given of it.
Thefe
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 115
Copy of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart and
Colonel Caillaud to the Select Commit-
tee. Dated Muradbaug, October 21,
1760.
GENTLEMEN,
HE Governor wrote you yefter-
"TH
day of the affairs here being
fettled to the Company's advantage. We
ſhall now have the honor to acquaint
you of the ſteps by which we advanced
to this point of fuccefs.
THE Nabob's vifit to the Governor
at Coffimbuzar, the 15th of the month,
as well as that we paid him the next day
in return, paſſed only in general conver-
fation. The 18th, he came here to talk
upon buſineſs. In order to give him a
clear view of the bad management of
his minifters, by which his own affairs,
as well as the Company's, were reduced
to fo dangerous a ftate, and the inhabi-
tants in general to want and mifery, we
had prepared three letters, which, after a
fhort and friendly introduction, the Go-
vernor delivered to him; and of which
tranflations
I 2
116
A Narrative of the
tranſlations are hereunto annexed, under
No. I, II, and III *.
THE Nabob feemed much affected by
the perufal of the letters, but endeavor-
ed more to put an end to the conference,
than to propofe a remedy to the evils.
We, however, prevailed on him to fend
for his dinner to Muradbaug; and, in a
manner, infifted on his coming to fome
determination, for the immediate reform
of his government; at length he con-
feffed himſelf, through age and grief, in-
capable alone of ſtruggling againſt ſo ma-
ny difficulties, and defired he might have
time to confult with his friends.
WE told him, the men with whom he
had lately adviſed were not his friends,
but his greateſt enemies; that his return-
ing again in the midft of them, would
only be the means of augmenting his
difficulties; that he had much better
take the affiftance of one from among
his relations, on whofe attachment and
fidelity he might more fafely rely. He
named five or fix, and among them Cof-
fim Allee Cawn; we aſked him, which
of
*See page 125, &c.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
117
of that number was moſt fit to affift him
in his preſent exigencies? He replied,
without any heſitation, that Coffim Al-
lee Cawn was the moſt proper; never-
theleſs, it was with the utmoſt difficul-
ty we could prevail on him to fend for
him, and ſo very late, that before Cof-
fim Allee Cawn could arrive, the old
Nabob was fo extremely fatigued, and
in ſuch a ſtate of anxiety, that we could
not refuſe his return home to take his
reft; we were convinced, that it would
be to no purpoſe to keep him, for fuch
was the jealouſy he diſcovered, with re-
gard to Coffim Allee Cawn, that we ſaw
he never would confent, without fome
fort of force, to give the other the means
for reſtoring order to his affairs; an hour
or two after the Nabob's departure, Cof-
fim Allee Cawn arrived, and feemed to
be extremely apprehenſive, that the Na-
bob, inſtead of trufting him with the
management of his affairs, would endea-
vor by fome means or other to get rid
of him. We agreed, therefore, in opi-
nion with him, that he ſhould not go to
I 3
the
118 A Narrative of the
the Nabob's houſe, until meaſures were
taken for his fecurity. We refolved,
however, to give the Nabob the next day
(the 19th) to reflect upon the letters be-
fore-mentioned, in hopes, that he would
propofe fome means of regulation. We
heard nothing from him all day, but
found, by our intelligence, that he had
been in council with his old advifers
Koonram, Monelol, and Checon, whofe
advice we were fure would be contrary to
the welfare of the country in general,
and that of the Company in particular.
We determined, therefore, to act imme-
diately upon the Nabob's fears; there
could not be a better opportunity, than
the night of the 19th afforded, it being
the conclufion of the Gentoo feaft, when
all the principal people of that caft, would
be pretty well fatigued with their cere-
monies. We determined, therefore, that
Colonel Caillaud, with two companies
of military, and fix companies of feepoys,
fhould croſs the river between three and
four in the morning; and having joined
Coffim Allee Cawn and his people, march
to
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
119
to the Nabob's palace, and furround it
juſt at day break. Being extremely de-
firous to prevent any diſturbance or blood-
fhed, the Governor wrote a letter to
the Nabob *, and delivered it to the
Colonel to fend into him, at fuch time
as he ſhould think moſt expedient. Mea-
fures were at the fame time taken for
feizing the perfons of Koonram, Mone→
lol, and Checon, our intention being
only to remove thoſe three unworthy mi-
nifters, and place Coffim Allee Cawn in
the full management of all the affairs,
in quality of deputy and fucceffor to the
Nabob. The governor remained at Mu-
radbaug, in readineſs to pay a vifit of con-
gratulation to the Durbar, as ſoon as the
point ſhould be ſettled.
THE neceſſary preparations being ac-
cordingly made, with all the care and fe-
crecy imaginable, the Colonel embark-
ed with the troops, joined Coffim Allee
Cawn without the leaft alarm, and march-
ed into the court-yard of the palace juft
at the proper inftant. The gates of the
I 4
inner
*The tranflation of which is annexed, No. IV.
120
A Narrative of the
inner court being fhut, the Colonel form-
ed his men without, and fent the Go-
vernor's letter to the Nabob, who was
at firſt in a great rage, and long threat-
ened he would make what refiſtance he
could, and take his fate. The Colonel
forbore all hoftilities, and feveral mef-
fages paft by the means of Mr. Haft-
ings, and Mr. Luſhington, whoſe ſer-
vices, on this occafion, deſerve notice.
The affair remained in this doubtful ſtate
about two hours, when the Nabob,
finding his perfifting was to no purpoſe,
fent a meffage to Coffim Allee Cawn, in-
forming him, he was ready to fend him
the feals, and all the enfigns of dignity,
and to order the Nobit to be ſtruck
up in
his name, provided he would agree to
take the whole charge of the govern-
ment upon him, to diſcharge all the ar-
rears due to the troops, to pay the ufu-
al revenues to the King, to fave his life
and honor, and to give him an allowance
fufficient for his maintenance. All theſe
conditions being agreed to, Coffim Al-
lee Cawn was proclaimed, and the old
Nabob
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 121
Nabob came out to the Colonel, declar-
ing, that he depended on him for his
life; and the troops then took poffeffion
of all the gates, and notice was ſent to the
Governor, who came immediately; and
the old Nabob met him in the gate-way,
afking, if his perfon was ſafe, which
feemed now to be all his concern. The
Governor told him, not only his perſon
was fafe, but his government too, if he
pleaſed, of which it never was intend-
ed to deprive him. The Nabob anſwer-
ed, that he had no more buſineſs at the
city, that he ſhould be in continual dan-
ger
from Coffim Allee Cawn, and that
if he was permitted to go and live in
Calcutta, he ſhould be extremely happy
and contented; though we could not
help lamenting his fudden fall, we were
not forry for this propofal, as the affairs
will doubtless be better managed with-
out him, and the advantages, ftipulated
for the Company, be obtained without
the leaft difficulty or delay. Coffim Al-
lee Cawn was accordingly feated on the
mufnud, and we paid him our congratu-
lations
122
A Narrative of the
lations in the ufual form. All the Ze-
mindars, merchants, and others, refiding
in the city, came immediately, and made
their acknowledgments to the new Su-
bah; and in the evening, every thing was
as perfectly quiet, as if there had been
no change. The people, in general, ſeem
much pleaſed with this revolution; and
we are particularly happy in its having
been brought about without the leaft
difturbance in the town, or a drop of
blood ſpilt.
THE advantages to the Company are
great indeed.
THE perwannahs of the countries of
Burdwan, Midnapoor, and Chittagong,
we ſhall receive immediately, as well
as that for half of the Chunam produc-
ed at Silhet. A very ſevere order has
already been iffued, forbidding all the
ſhroffs and merchants to refuſe the Cal-
cutta ficcas, or to aſk any batta on them.
A ſupply of money will be fent with the
Colonel, for the payment of the troops
at Patna; and we have fome hopes of
obtaining a prefent of three or four lacks
befides,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
123
befides, to fend down to Calcutta, to
help out the Company in their preſent
occafions here, and at Madras. The
former balance is to be paid monthly,
according to the old Nabob's kiſtbundy.
WE are the more pleafed with this
fortunate event at this time, when the
approach of peace in Europe, gives us
reaſon to fear the other European na-
tions will find leiſure to diſturb us here.
We ſhall have now ftrong reſources with→
in ourſelves, and an ally, whoſe attach-
ment to the Company may be depended
on. The old Nabob could, by no means,
be relied on for fuch an occafion. Both
his means, and defire of fupporting us,
were very uncertain, as his behaviour in
the Dutch troubles evinced.
THE old Nabob did not think him-
ſelf ſafe, even for one night, in the city.
Coffim Allee Cawn ſupplied him with
boats, and gave him leave to take away
as many of his women as he defired,
and a reaſonable quantity of cloaths and
jewels. We furniſhed him with a ſtrong
efcort of Europeans and feepoys, and
intended
124
A Narrative of the
intended to lodge him at Heerageel; but
he would not truft himſelf there, and
begged he might fleep in his boats clofe
to Muradbaug, which he did accord-
ingly. We fhall take care that Coffim
Allee Cawn provides every thing that is
convenient and handfome, for himſelf
and his women, and fettles upon him
a fufficient allowance for his mainte-
nance; and then diſpatch him with a
ftrong eſcort to Calcutta. You will
pleaſe to provide two houſes for his re-
ception; there are two belonging to
Sobiram Byfauc, and Raufbery Seet,
which the Royroyan occupied when he
was at Calcutta; if theſe can be got, we
judge they will anſwer very well.
His legitimate wife, called the Be-
gum, the mother of the deceaſed Chuta
Nabob, and of Coffim Allee Cawn's wife,
refuſed to accompany the old Nabob,
with whom, fhe fays, fhe has not been
in good harmony for a long time paſt;
that ſhe is very glad the government is
put into fuch good hands, and that ſhe
fhall
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
125
fhall live much happier with her daugh-
ter and fon-in-law.
THE old Nabob is now pretty eaſy,
and feems to be reconciled to the lofs of
a power, which he owns to have been
rather a burthen than a pleaſure, and too
much for his abilities to manage, fince
the death of his fon; and the enjoy
ment of the rest of his days in ſecurity,
under the Engliſh protection, ſeems to
be the chief object of his wiſhes.”
No. I. * Tranſlation of an Addreſs, pre-
fented to the Nabob Jaffier Allee Cawn
by the Governor. Dated October 12,
1760.
66
WHEN I was at Madras, Colo-
nel Clive frequently wrote to
me upon the ſtate of the affairs of this
country; and told me, whenever he
quitted this country to return to Europe,
he would procure my appointment to the
govern-
* Theſe letters, as well as many other of the
letters to the country government, inſerted in this
Narrative, were written firft in Perfian, as well for
the fake of diſpatch, as that they might appear
more
126
A Narrative of the
government. The friendſhip and con-
nections between your Excellency and
the Colonel are well known to me; and
I hoped to have found all affairs carried
on entirely according to the treaty; but
what I obferved upon my arrival, I ſhall
now lay before you particularly.
FIRST, The Engliſh forces, who are
employed in your ſervice, and in the fup-
port of your government at Patna, are
kept without their pay.
SECONDLY, The forces of the go-
vernment, who are ftationed in thoſe
parts, are diſcontented and difaffected to
the ſervice for want of their pay.
THIRDLY, The feepoys of Moorfhe-
dabad had ſurrounded your palace in a
tumultuous manner for the arrears of
more natural and intelligible to the perfon to whom,
they were addreffed; for in writing firſt in Engliſh,
and then rendering it into Perfian, it is almoſt im-
poffible to avoid obfcurity. Juft fo in tranflating
the Perfian into Engliſh, you cannot help convey-
ing ſomewhat of the eaſtern form and manner a-
long with the meaning, and this occafions the
particularity which will be obferved in the ftile of
many of thefe letters.
their
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
127
their pay, and endangered your life;
how deeply I was affected cannot be ex-
preffed; God is witneſs what I felt on
that occafion.
FOURTHLY, I plainly perceived, that
the miniſters of this court, from their
covetous and bafe difpofitions, had fet a-
fide all juſtice, were plundering the poor
without cauſe, and doing what they
pleaſed; not even withholding their
hands from the lives of the people, de-
ftroying the ſubjects, and bringing ruin
and defolation on the country.
FIFTHLY, The ſcarcity of provifions,
&c. is fo great, as was never before
known in this country; infomuch, that
the people of all degrees are in the great-
eft diftrefs. This can be owing to no
other cauſe, but the bad management of
your minifters.
SIXTHLY, Formerly, at the defire of
the Engliſh Company, a mint was eſta-
bliſhed in Calcutta ; and it was your or-
der, that the ficcas of Calcutta, of the
fame weight and fineness as the ficcas
of Moorſhedabad, ſhould paſs for equal
value.
128
A Narrative of the
value. Notwithſtanding your perwannah
for inforcing this grant, the officers of
the provinces have not fuffered them to
paſs; but, contrary to your order, re-
quire and infift on a batta on the ficcas.
SEVENTHLY, The war with the Shah-
zada ſtill continues, notwithſtanding the
fums expended, and the endeavors of
the Engliſh forces. This affair is yet
no nearer a conclufion than the firſt day,
excepting the fort of Patna, no part of
the Bahar province remains in your pof-
feffion. All the lands and villages are in
a ftate of ruin, and the Zemindars, in
every place, are ready to join the Shah-
zada's army, as appears from the letter
to me to this purpoſe from Beerboom.
From theſe circumftances, it evidently
appears to me, that all theſe difficulties
came to paſs after the death of your fon,
the late Chuta Nabob; from which time
the miniſters of your government, re-
garding only their own intereft, neglect
the good of the country, and the welfare
of your fubjects, and employ them-
felves in oppreffing the poor, in rapine,
violence,
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 129
violence, injuſtice, and iniquity. When
I faw the affairs of the Sircar in the
hands of fuch faithlefs and unworthy
men, and every thing tending ftill fur-
ther to ruin, I lifted up my hands to
heaven, and bewailed my ftrange fate,
that Providence ſhould fend me into this
country, at fuch a time, and in the midſt
of fuch calamities, when the dignity of
the Nabob, the reputation of the Com-
pany, and the profperity of the coun-
try, are almoſt expired. After long con-
fideration I concluded, that I would make
one vigorous trial immediately, to reme-
dy all theſe evils, hoping, by God's af-
fiftance, to furmount all difficulties. For
this reaſon, I am come with great joy
into your preſence, and am happy in
paying you my reſpects."
:
VOL. I.
K
No. II.
130
A Narrative of the
No. II. Tranflation of an Addrefs, pre-
fented to the Nabob Jaffier Allee Cawn
by the Governor. Dated October 18,
1760.
86
TH
HE minifters who are about your
perſon, and who tranſact your
buſineſs, are people who are wavering
and changing in their councils, as is e-
vident from the perwannahs you fre-
quently fent me, complaining of the bad
conduct and wicked intentions of Mha-
rajah Rajebullub, infifting upon his be-
ing recalled by fome means or other.
The Colonel, confidering the fituation of
affairs at that time, recommended Ra-
jebullub to you; and
you fent me a co-
py of his recommendation, in a letter
which you did me the honor to write to
me; and faid, you was furprized that
the Colonel would recommend a man, fo
very unfit for every bufinefs. You alfo
fent me word by the Nabob Meer Ma-
homed Coffim Cawn, and the Royroy-
an, that the buſineſs of the moſt conſe-
quence, was to get Rajebullub down from
Patna.
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 131
Patna. I, therefore, agreeably to your
defire, wrote Mr. Amyatt to fend him
down; God only knows what council
your miniſters gave, that your perwannah*
was deferred being fent, but that is the true
cauſe of the troubles now at Patna. It
is a known maxim, that a government,
where the councils change every day,
cannot be well regulated."
No. III. Tranflation of a Letter, preſent-
ed to the Nabob Jaffier Allee Cawn by
the Governor. Dated October 18,
1760.
THE
HE important affairs, for the
regulation of which I have wait-
ed upon you, are ſubmitted to your con-
fideration in a ſeparate addrefs, contain-
ing ſeven articles. Now that I am here,
this is the time for opening the door of
the difficulties therein mentioned, which
is only to be effected by the key of your
enlightened wiſdom. If this opportu
nity is loft, another will hardly occur,
when we can meet together fo conve-
niently.
K 2
* An order for his coming down.
132
A Narrative of the
niently. Befides, the particulars which
I have taken notice of, and the payment
of the arrears due to the English troops,
and thoſe of the fircar, it is neceffary to
make a large provifion for future exi-
gencies. You have already given in
pledge jewels, for a large amount, to
be diſcharged by different payments, a-
greed and figned too by you. How this fum
is to be paid, unleſs the country is fet-
tled, I do not perceive. The pay, al-
lowed for the Engliſh army, has been
limited to a lack of rupees per month.
As the diſturbances in the country have
encreaſed every day, for that reafon large
fums have been expended in bringing
foldiers from Europe and Madras, and
raifing feepoys. On this account, a lack
of rupees is by no means fufficient. Let
your Excellency duely reflect, that your
own feepoys, in time of extremity, pre-
ferring their own ſafety, have frequent-
ly joined with the forces of the enemy,
and the Engliſh forces devoted entirely
to your fervice, and the deftruction of
your enemies, never were guilty of ſuch
a con-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
133
a conduct, nor ever will; and by the
bleffing of God, wherever the Engliſh
ſtandard has been fixed, they have ever
proved victorious. Upon this account,
it is by no means becoming your wif-
dom, to neglect fuch brave men, or to
deny them their due rewards. It is ne-
ceffary, that for this bufinefs, your Ex-
cellency grant the Engliſh Company cer-
tain lands, fufficient for the pay of the
troops, the expences of the artillery, and
the provifion of ftores, &c. that with-
out any trouble to yourſelf, all their
charges may be defrayed, from the pro-
duce of theſe lands, and our arms al-
ways ready to be employed in your fer-
vice; otherwife, I muft fubmit to ne-
ceffity. My concern for my own honor,
will not fuffer me to be unmoved at the
Company's lofs; but I muft feek fome
expedients for promoting the intereſt of
the Company, and removing the evils
they are oppreffed with; and thoſe expe-
dients muſt be adopted. But if your
affliction, for the lofs of your fon, has
taken that hold upon your mind, that
K 3
you
134
A Narrative of the
you cannot attend to the remedying of
ſuch great difficulties, it is proper, that
you appoint fome capable perfon from
among your children, in the place and
dignity of your ſaid ſon, the Nabob Na-
zir-ool-moolk, who may take charge of
all theſe affairs, regulate the buſineſs of
the country, and remove all theſe diffi-
culties, that your Excellency, freed from
all the troubles and fatigues of theſe
tranſactions, may remain without care
and uneafinefs, and the fhadow of your
protection overſpread the whole.
No. IV. Tranflation of a Letter from the
Governor to the Nabob. Dated Octo-
ber 19, at Night, and fent by the
Hands of Colonel Caillaud.
se
I HAVE been waiting all this day,
in expectation that you would have
fettled fome of the weighty and urgent
affairs, upon which I yeſterday conferred
with you; and that
quainted me with
you would have ac-
your determination 3
but you have not favoured me with any
anfwer concerning them. From hence
it
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 135
it plainly appears, that as long as theſe
evil counſellors remain about your per-
fon, whatſoever I may reprefent to you
for your profperity and welfare, and the
good of the country, will have no effect.
The folly of thoſe people will foon de-
prive you of your government, and prove
the ruin likewiſe of the Company's af-
fairs. I have judged it improper, that
fuch evils and difgrace ſhould be brought
upon us for the fake of two or three
men; for this reafon, I have fent colo-
nel Caillaud with forces to wait upon
you. When the faid Colonel arrives, he
will expel thoſe bad counſellors, and
place your affairs in a proper ftate; I
will ſhortly follow. Let not your Ex-
cellency be under any apprehenfions, but
chearfully receive the colonel; and give
orders to your men, that they commit
no diſturbances, nor raiſe tumults in the
city; I folemnly declare, that I have no
other view but your good and welfare.
Look
upon me as your fincere well-wisher,
and remain fatisfied."
THE
K 4
136
A Narrative of the
1
THE old Nabob fet out for Calcutta
the 22d, with all the appearances of
content and chearfulness; and I remain-
ed at Moorfhedabad with the new Nabob
till the 4th of November. All the ma-
terial tranfactions which paffed during
that time, will be feen by the following
papers,
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart-
to Mr. Ellis * Muradbaug, Oct. 22,
1760.
HE old Nabob fet out this morn-
TH
C
ing for Calcutta, escorted by a
company of Europeans, and one of ſee-
poys, under the command of captain
Robertſon. I mentioned in my letter
laſt night, that he would be glad to re-
main at Chitpour, until the houſes are
prepared for his reception. You will
pleaſe to ſend two of the gentlemen to
meet him at the French gardens, and in
every way receive him with a decent
reſpect. He took his leave with great
chear-
* Mr. Ellis, arriving from Europe, took charge
of the ſettlement at Calcutta, in Mr. Vanfittart's
abfence.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
137
·
chearfulneſs; and I believe the days of
his eaſe will do him more honor, than
thofe of his power; and that he will be
much happier; for it fhall be my parti-
cular care that he wants for nothing;
every thing is perfectly quiet here; I am
waiting to get the funnuds, to fee how
the
young Nabob
goes on; and to give
him a few uſeful inftructions for his gui-
dance. In four or five days I hope every
thing will be complete; and that I ſhall
be ſetting out for Calcutta with a rein-
forcement for your treaſury; fuch as will
enable us to ſend a fupply to Madras,
and to keep our inveſtment jogging on
here."
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart
to Mr. Ellis. Muradbaug, October
23, 1760.
E
VERY thing remains perfectly
quiet, and the new Nabob does
not ſpare pains to get the affairs regu-
lated. He will have no eaſy taſk of it.
The balance due to the feepoys is im-
menfe. Money found in the treaſury,
none,
138
A Narrative of the
none, only gold and filver plate, to the
amount of two or three lacks, which is
ordered to be coined: and the old Na-
bob's Muttafeddees pretend, that the
balance due from them is trifling; that
the Nabob ſpent every thing as faft as
it came in, but they do not know how.
It was high time for a reform, indeed;
I do not think it would have been pof-
fible for the old Nabob to have faved
himſelf from being murthered, or the
city from plunder, another month. I
have engaged Juggut Seet's advice and
affiſtance; and will fee the Colonel
diſpatched with a fupply of money to
Patna; and all other affairs reduced to a
fyftem of prudence and economy, be-
fore I ftir from hence."
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart
and Colonel Caillaud to the Select Com-
mittee. Muradbaug, O&. 24, 1760.
E
VERY thing remains perfectly
quiet, the new Nabob applies
great diligence to the regulation of
his affairs, and behaves fo as to gain the
affection
with
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
139
affection of the people. We went ye-
ſterday to the Durbar, when he acquaint-
ed us, that he had found in the treafu-
ry, of ready money, only forty or fifty
thouſand rupees, and about the value of
three lacks in gold and filver plate,
which he has ordered to be coined. Keen-
ooram, Moneloll, and Checon, the prin-
cipal managers in the late adminiſtra-
tion, pretend likewiſe, that the balances
due from them are trifling. The Na-
bob, however, hopes to oblige them to
make further diſcoveries; and, in the
mean time, is endeavoring, with the af-
fiftance of Juggut Seet, together with
the uſual prefents, advances upon the
rents, &c. to raiſe a fufficient fum to
pay off ſuch a proportion of the arrears,
as will fatisfy the troops at Patna, and
here, as well as to enable him to give
the Company fuch an affiſtance, as is
mentioned in our laft letter, by way of
acknowledgment for their ſervices. The
funnuds, for the new diſtricts, will be
made out upon the arrival of the Roy-
royan,
140
A Narrative of the
royan, who is expected from Amboa in
three or four days."
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Vanfittart
and Colonel Caillaud to the Select Com-
mittee. Muradbaug, Nov. 3, 1760.
હ
HE difficulties the Nabob has
THE
met with, in raifing the fums
wanted for the fupply of troops here, and
at Patna, have been the occafion of his
deferring the Colonel's diſpatch till to-
morrow evening. He will carry with
him, in bills and money, feven lacks of
rupees, of which two are for the Engliſh
army, and five for the Nabob's.
THE Nabob having given the Com-
pany perwannahs for the diſtricts of
Burdwan, Midnapoor, and Chittagong,
from the 10th of October, the allow-
ance of one lack per month, ftipulated
to be paid by the Nabob, for the ex-
pences of the army in the field, muſt be
reckoned from the 1ft of December,
1759, to the 30th of September, 1760,
being ten months, or ten lacks of ru-
pees, of which nine lacks and a half
have
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
141
have been paid, including the two lacks
before-mentioned; the remaining half
lack the Nabob will remit to the Colonel,
THIS done, all the future demands
of the army must be fupplied by the
Company. We have engaged Juggut
Seet, to take all opportunities that may
offer, of advancing money at Patna, to
receive it again at Calcutta, for a pre-
mium of two per cent.
THE Colonel will do all he poffibly
can, confiftently with the good of the
ſervice, to make the expences of the
army light. Indeed, it is not only with
this view, but for many other urgent
confiderations, much to be wiſhed, that
an end could be put to the war with the
Shahzada. We might almoſt ſay, that
it is abfolutely neceffary, for the pay
of
the troops in the armies of the Chuta
Nabob, and of Ramnarain, amount to
ſo immenſe a ſum monthly, that the re-
venues of the three provinces, would
ſcarce be ſufficient fully to anſwer it.
Notwithstanding, the fum now fent by
the Nabob, and all the further fupplies
he
142
A Narrative of the
he may be able to furniſh, the arrears
can never be paid off, but, on the con-
trary, muſt continue growing.
FOR a diforder fo defperate, what re-
medy is to be found? The moſt we can
hope, is, to palliate and prevent it's in-
creaſe, and endeavor, in the mean time,
to bring our bufinefs to a conclufion.
The Colonel, upon his arrival at Patna,
will immediately take the field, and ſeek
the Shahzada, to oblige him either to
come to terms of accommodation, or
venture a battle. With regard to the
reduction of the Nabob's troops, the
Colonel will take fuch meaſures upon
his arrival, as he fhall judge moſt eli-
gible."
MR. ELLIS not arriving from Eng-
land till after the Committee had taken
their refolutions, and I was fet out for
Coffimbuzar, could not be confulted in
the courſe of this negotiation. By the
ſtation in which he was appointed by
the Company, he prefided at Calcutta
during my abſence.
MAJOR
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
143
MAJOR CARNAC arrived at the fame
time with Mr. Ellis, and joined mé at
Muradbaug the 20th in the morning, at
the very inftant that Colonel Caillaud
was at the head of his troops, in one of
the court yards of the Nabob's palace.
I defired the Major to go there too, and
uſe his endeavors jointly with the Co-
lonel to prevent any diſturbances in the
city. I followed immediately after, and
when all was fettled with the old Na-
bob, major Carnac defired to ſtay with
the detachment at Moorfhedabad, for
the fecurity of Meer Coffim, who was
juſt then proclaimed; but I fettled it,
that major Yorke ſhould ſtay at Moor-
fhedabad, and major Carnac proceed
with the Colonel to Patna, to receive
the command of the troops from him,
as the Governor and Council at Madras
had wrote for him, to return and join
the army before Pondicherry.
MAJOR CARNAC remained with me
at Muradbaug, till I fet out from thence
for Calcutta; during which time he was
fully acquainted with the motives of
the
144
A Narrative of the
the Select Committee's refolutions, and
my proceedings; and I do not recollect
that he made the leaſt objection * to ei-
ther, further, than that he was forry
there was a neceffity of removing Meer
Jaffier from the government. To which
I replied, that I was equally forry; but
that it could not be avoided without ex-
pofing his life, the provinces under his
government, and the very exiſtence of
the Company to almoſt certain ruin.
MR. ELLIS, and the gentlemen of the
Select Committee at Calcutta, expreffed
their approbation in the following an-
fwers to our letters.
Copy of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Meffieurs Ellis, Sumner, and
McGuire) to Mr. Vanfittart and Co-
lonel Caillaud. Dated October 24,
1760.
WE
E have been honored with your
favor of the 21ft, and one from
the Prefident of the 20th inftant, by
which we have been informed of the
great
* The contrary may be inferred, from his de-
firing to ſtay with Meer Coffim.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
145
great ſucceſs that has attended your ope-
rations. We moſt heartily congratulate
you, on your having amply effected the
intended purpoſes, without the effufion
of blood, or any diſturbance; and are
highly pleaſed to find the Nabob fo well
reconciled to his prefent fituation. We
doubt not, but what has been fo well
begun, will be concluded for the benefit
and advantage of the Company, and that
the affairs of the government will in fu-
ture be put on a ſecure and proper footing.
We have given the neceffary direc-
tions for the reception and accommoda-
tion of the old Nabob, whenever he ar-
rives in Calcutta.
A FEW days, we flatter ourſelves, will
bring this matter to a conclufion, and
that we ſhall very ſhortly have the plea-
fure of the Governor's prefence with us."
Copy of a Letter from Mr. Ellis to Mr.
Vanfittart, October 24, 1760.
"I
HAD the honor to addreſs you laſt
night, and this evening was fa-
vored with yours, of the 21ft inftant,
incloſing
VOL. I.
L
146 A Narrative of the
incloſing a letter to the Committee. I
moſt heartily congratulate you on the
fuccefs of your negotiations; but muft,
at the fame time, lament the neceffity
you have been under of depofing the old
Nabob. Directions are given, to pre-
pare the two houſes, you mentioned, for
his reception; and in caſe he ſhould ar-
rive before they are put in
proper order,
Mr. Sumner will accommodate him for
a day or two at Chitpore."
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Ellis to Mr.
Vanfittart. October 25, 1760.
66
T is with much pleaſure I hear of
IT
the tranquility that reigns in the
city, fuch a revolution, with fo little dif
turbance, ſcarce ever happened; and, I
dare fay, Sir, there will be nothing want-
ing, on your part, to place this tranqui-
lity on a lafting and folid foundation."*
I ARRIVED
*The reader will here take notice, that Mr.
Ellis was the principal perfon who afterwards en-
gaged in the oppofition againſt me, and in every
meaſure for over-fetting the eftabliſhment, of which
he has here expreffed in fuch ftrong terms his ap-
probation.
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
147
I ARRIVED in Calcutta the 7th of
November; and the next day reported
my proceedings in general, and the ad-
vantages obtained for the Company, to
the whole council; whereupon Meffieurs
Verelſt and Smyth, two of the gentle-
men of the council, who were not mem-
bers of the Select Committee, entered
the following objection.
Copy of Mr. Verelft's Minute of the 8th
of November, to which Mr. Smyth
aflented.
66
R. Verelt begs leave to ob-
MR.
ferve, that the board has till
now been kept entirely ignorant of the
proceedings of the Select Committe, re-
lating to the preſent revolution, and their
motives for it; he cannot, therefore,
pretend to judge how far ſuch a ſtep was
neceffary, but thinks, that in an affair
of ſuch immediate confequence to the
Company's eftate in theſe parts, the moſt
mature confideration of the whole board,
fhould
L 2
148
A Narrative of the
ſhould have been firſt had; that a treaty,
executed in the moſt folemn manner,
fubfifted between Meer Jaffier and us;
the moſt faithful adherence to which, as
well as all other our engagements, has
preferved that influence and power we
have maintained, ever fince the recap-
ture of Calcutta ; a fteadineſs to which
treaty made Britons admired, nay even
courted, by every prince throughout
theſe provinces; and has ever been fatal
to the prince apparent of the empire,
and many other difturbers, who have hi-
therto weakly endeavored to engage us,
to break through thoſe folemn ties we
were ſworn to. As this fudden change
muſt alarm every one, to find us fo un-
expectedly breaking through all our en-
gagements, which were fo publick, re-
putable, and to the honor of the nation,
he cannot be blamed, as a member of
the board, for expreffing his diffatisfac-
tion at being made a cypher of, in fo cri-
tical a concern."
REGARDING thefe objections, as
chiefly proceeding from the offence which
thofe
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
149
thoſe gentlemen had conceived, at not
being confulted upon the meaſures taken
by the Select Committee, I only made
the following Reply.
Copy of Mr. Vanfittart's Reply to the
foregoing Minute.
HE Prefident begs leave to re-
"TH
mark upon the foregoing mi-
nute. That though Mr. Verelft and Mr.
Smyth might without the leaſt preſump-
tion think, that they, and the reſt of the
gentlemen of the council, ought to have
been confulted upon an affair of ſo much
fo
importance, before it was carried into
execution; yet their venturing to con-
demn or approve, before they know the
nature of the engagements entered into,
the reaſons why, or the manner in which
the whole was conducted, feems rather
premature; eſpecially, as they will have
an opportunity of fo foon making them-
felves competent judges; the whole be-
ing now ordered to be laid before the
board, as mentioned in the former part
of their minute.
L 3
THE
150
A Narrative of the
THE reaſon why the whole council
was not before informed was, that it was
an affair that abfolutely required fecrecy;
and it is expreffly for the conduct of fuch
affairs, that the Court of Directors has
thought proper to appoint a Select Com-
mittee. To the fecrecy which was ob-
ferved, may in great meaſure be attri-
buted the ſpeedy and eafy fuccefs which
attended the execution, and the prevent-
ing all diſturbance, and loſs of blood."
As the meaſures which produced this
revolution in the government of Bengal,
were not intended merely for obtaining
advantages for the Company, but were
as neceffary for remedying the diſorders
in the government itſelf, and faving the
provinces from the ruin with which they
were threatened, in confequence of thofe
diſorders, I thought it neceffary to form
a memorial, to fhew theſe tranſactions
to the world in that light, abſtracted
from the benefits accruing to the Com-
pany; which memorial I laid before the
council the 10th of November; the fol-
lowing is a copy.
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 151
Copy of a Memorial on the Subject of the
Revolution in the Bengal Government in
the Year 1760.
66
HE Nabob Jaffier Allee Cawn
THE
was of a temper extremely ty-
rannical and avaritious, and at the fame
time very indolent; and the people about
him being either abject flaves and flat-
terers, or elſe the bafe inſtruments of
his vices, there was no chance of hav-
ing the affairs of the government pro-
perly conducted, but by their removal.
He attributed all the ill fuccefs of his
affairs to imaginary plots and contri-
vances, and facrificed lives without mer-
cy, to the exceſs of his jealouſy. Num-
berlefs are the inftances of men of all
degrees, whoſe blood he has ſpilt with-
out the leaſt affigned reafon. To learn
the names and circumſtances of all theſe
fufferers would be a work of time, but
ſome of the moſt ſtriking examples are
thefe following:
COJA HADDEE, the firſt Buxy, firſt
banished for a pretended confpiracy a-
L 4
gainſt
152
A Narrative of the
gainſt the Nabob's life, and afterwards
cut off at Shahbad, in his march out of
the province.
MEER CAZIM, the fecond Buxy, in-
vited by the Chuta Nabob to his houſe;
and after having received from him un-
uſual marks of affection, affaffinated at
the gates of the palace.
ABDUL-OHAB CAWN, murdered at the
Rumna, in the month of March, 1760,
by fome of the Hircarras, belonging to
Checon, who way-laid him for that
pur-
poſe by the Nabob's orders.
YAR MAHMUD, formerly in great fa-
vor with the Nabob Serajah Dowla, and
fince Droga of the Emarut, flain in the
preſence of the Chuta Nabob, in the
month of April, 1760.
GASSEETA BEGUM, widow of the Na-
bob * Shahamut Jung.
EMNA BEGUM, mother to the Nabob
Serajah Dowla.
MURADA DOWLA, the fon of Pad-
ſha Couly Cawn, adopted by Shahamut
Jung.
* Nephew of Alliverdee Cawn.
LUTFIN
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
153
LUTFIN NISSA BEGUM, widow of
the Nabob Serajah Dowla.
HER infant daughter by Serajah Dowla.
THE five unhappy fufferers, mention-
ed laſt, periſhed all in one night at Dac-
ca, about the month of June, 1760,
where they had been detained priſoners
fince the acceffion of Jaffier Allee Cawn
to the government. A perwannah was
fent to Jeffarut Cawn, the Naib of Dac-
ca, to put to death all the furvivors of
the family of the Nabobs Alliverdee
Cawn, Shahamut Jung, and Serajah
Dowla; but, upon his declining to obey
fo cruel an order, the meffenger, who
had private inſtructions to execute this
tragedy, in cafe of the other's refufal,
took them from the place of their con-
finement, carried them out at midnight
upon
the river, and maffacred and drown-
ed them, with about ſeventy women of
inferior note, and attendants; what be-
came of Alliverdee Cawn's widow is
uncertain, it being reported by many,
that ſhe eſcaped the fate of the reſt of
her family. Executions, of this kind,
had
154
A Narrative of the
had made the Nabob the dread or de-
teſtation of all good men; and he ne-
ceffarily became a prey to people of mean
extraction and abject difpofitions, who
knowing, that a government fo managed
could not ſtand long, fought only to
make themſelves rich by oppreffions, of all
forts, upon the country and inhabitants.
To the taxes laid by them on the markets,
is afcribed the prefent unuſual ſcarcity
and dearneſs of the provifions at Moor-
fhedabad, the capital of a country, once
eſteemed the moſt plentiful in the world.
The perfons who have had the chief
ſhare in this management, are Keenoo-
ram, Monelol, and Checon, all of low
birth; and the two firft, the menial fer-
vants of Jaffier Allee Cawn, before he
came to the Subahfhip. Thefe manag-
ed fo, as to engage him continually in
idle or vicious amuſements, keeping him
by that means in utter ignorance of his
affairs, and in a ſtate of indifference as
to their ſucceſs; no money came into his
treafury; at the fame time, nothing was
paid to his army, infomuch thathis troops
mutinied,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
155
mutinied, and furrounded his palace in a
tumultuous manner, threatening to take
away his life; which they would certain-
ly have done, had not his fon-in-law,
the preſent Nabob Coffim Allee Cawn,
become anfwerable, and paid them a
very large fum out of his own treaſury.
This happened laſt June; and if the im-
minent danger, with which his perfon
was threatened on this occafion, awaken-
ed him for a moment, no fooner was it
removed again to a diftance, than he fell
back into the lethargy which had ſo long
poffeffed him. The fame unworthy mi-
niſters remained ftill his only counſel-
lors, and continued in the management
of his affairs to the laft day of his ad-
miniſtration, which he left in fo confuſed
and impoverished a ſtate, that, in all hu-
man appearance, another month could
hardly have run through, before he
would have been cut off by his own fee-
poys, and the city have become a ſcene
of plunder and diſorder, the Nabob hav--
ing made no further provifion for the
payment of the arrears due to his
peo-
ple,
156
A Narrative of the
ple, after Coffim Allee Cawn had freed
him from his former extremity. This
danger he could not but forefee, and
more than once declared his apprehen-
fions of it, yet had not the power to ex-
ert the neceffary means of preventing it,
but funk the deeper into dejection. Be-
fides this inteſtine danger, to which the
government was expofed, two armies
were in the field, and waiting only the
fair weather to advance; the Shahzada
towards Patna, and the Beerboom Ra-
jah towards Moorfhedabad, the capital.
The Rajahs of Biffenpoor, Ramgur, and
the other countries, bordering upon the
mountains, were ready to ſhake off their
dependance, and had offered confiderable
ſupplies to the Beerboom Rajah. The
Rajah of Curruckpoor had committed
open hoftilities, and taken poffeffion of
all the country about Bauglepoor, which
entirely ſtopped the communication be-
tween the two provinces on that fide of
the river. In a word, the whole coun-
try feemed quite ripe for an univerſal re-
volt, thofe parts only excepted, whoſe
natural
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 157
up arms.
natural weakneſs or neighborhood with
the city, intimidated them from taking
To encounter all thefe diffi-
culties, there was nothing but troops
without pay, from whom therefore no
great efforts could be expected. Of this,
a very recent inftance occurs in the
detachment which was ordered againſt
the Beerboom Rajah, three months be-
fore the Nabob's abdication, but never
advanced more than three cofs from the
city, in which fituation they continued
upon my arrival there. All who are now
in Bengal, and acquainted with the tranſ-
actions of the government, will bear wit-
nefs, that this is a true defcription of
facts; and all who are convinced of the
facts, will certainly agree, that affairs
were at an extremity no longer to be
neglected, without manifeft danger of
having the province over-run, and the
trade entirely ruined. I was refolved
therefore to uſe my utmoſt endeavors to
get thoſe bad minifters removed, and
judging it might be difficult to prevail
with the Nabob to part with his favorites,
without
158
A Narrative of the
without fome degree of violence, I brought
with me a detachment of Europeans and
feepoys, under pretence of fending them
with Colonel Caillaud, to reinforce the
army at Patna *.
COSSIM ALLEE CAWN fupplied the
Nabob with boats, and permitted him to
take away as many of his women as he
defired (which he did to the number of
about fixty) with a reaſonable quantity
of jewels. In the morning of the 22d
of October he fet out for Calcutta, and
arrived there the 29th. He was met by
a deputation from the council, and treat-
ed with every mark of reſpect due to
his former dignity."
* The Memorial proceeds to give an account of
the Revolution, as has been already related, in the
letters from Mr. Vanfittart and Colonel Caillaud
at Muradbaug.
SECTION
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 159
SECTION V.
The Rife of the Party formed againſt
Mr. Vanfittart, with their Proteſts and
Objections againſt the Revolution.
First Occafion of the Discontent of Mef
Amyatt, Ellis, and Carnac.-Meſ. A-
myatt, Ellis, and Smythe, their Mi-
nute in Council the 8th of January,
1761.-Reply of the Select Committee.
Mr. Ellis's further Minute.
I
HOPED, the care I had taken to
explain the motives of the Select
Committee's Refolutions, and the ad-
vantages refulting to
to the Company,
would have induced the reſt of the Coun-
cil to approve of them; but I had fome
unhappy tempers to deal with; and there
were mischievous people in the fettle-
ment, who were bufy in improving e-
very circumſtance to inflame diſputes;
particularly, one of the furgeons, who
happened to have a great influence over
Mr.
160
A Narrative of the
Mr. Amyatt; and who was offended
at my not conſulting him upon the af-
fairs of government: fome accidents
concurred to favour this malevolent dif-
pofition.
My coming to Bengal in fo advanc-
ed a ſtation, gave occafion for complaint,
to all the fenior fervants of that fettle-
ment, and particularly to Mr. Amyatt,
who was the next to the chair. Mr. El-
lis upon his arrival applied for the chief-
ſhip of Patna, to which Mr. McGwire
had been appointed two months before *,
and had fettled his affairs accordingly.
As I thought Mr. Ellis's application
unreaſonable, I gave my opinion againſt
it; by which he thought himſelf inju-
red; and major Carnac was violently of-
fended at my expreffing a defire that
colonel Caillaud, who had been prefent
at all the debates of the Select Com-
mittee, and had been particularly charg-
ed with the execution of their refolu-
tions, fhould remain in the command at
Patna till their views were fulfilled, ei-
ther
* Upon Mr. Amyatt's coming to Calcutta.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
161
ther by a negotiation with the Shahzada,
or a decifive action.
THE firſt declaration of Mr. Amyatt's
diſapprobation of the proceedings of the
Select Committee, and of a change in
Mr. Ellis's fentiments, appears in a mi-
nute which they entered upon the con-
ſultations on the 8th of January 1761,
as follows.
Copy of Mr. Amyatt's Minute, to which
Meffieurs Ellis and Smyth affented.
R. AMYATT takes this oppor-
tunity to obferve, that he is of
opinion, the reaſons given for depofing
Jaffier Allee Cawn (for he can look up-
on it in no other light) are far from be-
ing fufficient to convict him of breach.
of faith; confequently, in the eyes of
the world, the whole odium of fuch
proceedings muſt retort upon ourſelves.
The cruelties of which he is accuf-
ed muſt to a civilized government ap-
pear ſhocking; but in defpotick ones,
there are none entirely free from inftances
VOL. I.
M
of
162
A Narrative of the
of this kind, as their own fears and jea-
loufies are ever prompting them to fuch"
unwarrantable actions; and it is well
known, that the prefent Nabob has al-
ready fallen into the fame feverities, as
likewife that he has fhewn marks of fa-
vor to thofe minifters, who, we are
told, faw with an evil eye the influence
of the Company, and readily fnatched
at every opportunity to reduce it. Meer
Jaffier being confirmed by the Court of
Delly in the Subahfhip was a very valua-
ble confideration, which ought not to
have been overlooked; becaufe, when-
ever that diſtracted ftate is reſtored to
peace and tranquility, he being legally
in poffeffion of the government, would
of courfe be confirmed by the reigning
king without heſitation; whereas the
obtaining fo great a favour for Coffim
Allee Cawn, must be attended with both
difficulty and expence. The treaty fub-
fifting between us and Coffim Allee
Cawn plainly fhews, that his fole aim
at the time of entering into it was the
Subahdarree of Bengal. Otherwife, how
ridicu-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
163
ridiculous was it for him to make a pro-
miſe, of ceding certain countries to the
Company, which his poft of Dewan could
never have given him the power of ex
ecuting. The great advantages expect-
ed to accrue from thoſe countries, it is
feared, will prove entirely imaginary,
as it is now near three months fince this
revolution was effected; and yet fo far
from any appearance of extricating our-
felves from our difficulties, as expected,
we are involved in freſh troubles every
day; which will not appear strange,
when we caft our eyes upon the perfon
we have raiſed to the muſnud, whoſe
character was never in any light confpi-
cuous till lately; and whofe treacherous
behaviour to his father-in-law, leaves
us very little hopes of his attachment to
our intereft; nor indeed can it be ex-
pected, that he will place any confidence
in us, who have affifted to dethrone a
man, we were bound to fupport by the
moſt folemn ties, divine and human :
fuch a breach of faith must neceffarily
occafion the lofs of our influence in this
country,
M 2
164 A Narrative of the
country, and bereave us of the fuperi-
ority, which our fteady adherence to our
promiſe ever gave us over thoſe people.
For the above reafons Mr. Amyatt dif-
fents to the whole tranfaction ; and
further declares, that he never was con-
fulted nor adviſed with concerning it;
nor did he know that it ever was intend-
ed, till publick report had informed him
of it's execution."
Ir was fo well known, that Mr. Ful-
lerton was the chief author of the fore-
going minute, that myſelf, and the other
gentlemen of the Select Committee,
could not help taking notice of it in our
anſwer of the 12th; which was as fol-
lows:
"THE Governor, Colonel Caillaud,
and the other gentlemen of the council,
who did, and ſtill continue to approve
of the late tranfactions with the country
government, beg leave to offer a few ob-
fervations upon Mr. Amyatt's minute of
laſt conſultation, the tenor of which might
deceive the world if not examined, but
when
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
165
when examined, will be found to have
but little foundation.
If the Select Commmittee, debating
upon the dangerous ftate of the affairs
of the province, in Auguſt and Septem-
ber laft, had been defirous of breaking
with the then Nabob Jaffier Allee Cawn,
there were reaſons enough to juſtify,
nay to urge fuch a refolution. The let-
ter which the former Governor, Mr.
Holwell, laid before the Select Commit-
tee, the 4th of Auguft, for the informa-
tion of Mr. Vanſittart, then juſt arrived,
contain more than fufficient proofs
of that Nabob's breach of his engage-
•
ments to the Company. Many inftances
are mentioned, of his jealouſy of the
English power, and of his refufal of
every favor that was afked him, which
might tend to encreaſe it. We have in
our hands, an authentic proof of one
moſt effential inftance of his ill faith
therein-mentioned. It is faid in the
treaty, that our enemies fhall be his
enemies; but it is beyond doubt, that
he urged the Dutch to fend for forces
►
M 3
to
166
A Narrative of the
to oppoſe ours. We have an original let→
ter of the Directore to the Nabob, which
plainly implies, that it was with his
conſent thoſe troops were fent for, and
the tenor of the general advices tranfmit-
ted to Europe laft feafon, fufficiently
fhews this was Colonel Clive's opinion,
though he mentioned it with all poffible
tenderneſs. Nor if we had defired to
remove Jaffier Allee Cawn from the go-
vernment, need we have done more than
withdraw our protection. His govern-
ment would foon have been put an end
to, and probably his life alſo, which was
more than once in extreme danger from
his own people.
BUT mindful of the connections that
had been between him and the Compa-
ny, we had the moſt tender regard both
for his perfon and government, neither
of which could have fubfifted, without
other ſupports than thoſe he had about
him. After the unfortunate death of
his fon, his fon-in-law, Coffim Allee
Cawn, was the proper perfon to fucceed
to the government; and being his near-
eft
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 167
eft relation, it was thought his council
and affiſtance would be the leaft obnoxi-
ous. But if, on the other hand, he ſhould
have determined to admit of no one near
him, and continually refufe every appli-
cation for the advantage of the Compa-
ny, and even common juſtice in the per-
formance of paft agreements, would it
have been expedient to facrifice the inter-
eft of the Company, and the profpect of
relieving the province from its diftreffed
ftate, to the invincible jealoufy of one
man? And might we not, with more
reaſon, place our paſt fervices in the ſcale,
againſt the benefits received from him ;
and purſue, with fteadineſs, the plan de-
termined on, as moft for the welfare of
the country in general, and of the Com-
pany in particular?
THAT Coffim Allee Cawn had views
of the Subahdarree for himfelf, when he
entered into the treaty with us, is beyond
all doubt; but they were views in rever-
fion, not immediate. In the mean time
he engaged, that through the influence
we were to give him over the old Na-
M 4
bob,
168
A Narrative of the
bob, he would obtain for the Company
the grants therein mentioned.
BUT it is infinuated, in Mr. Amyatt's
minute, that our affairs are in a worfe
condition now, than before the change
of the government. That the addition
of Burdwan, Midnapoor, and Chitta-
gong, to the Company's poffeffions with-
out the loſs of a man, is a hurt to the
Company, ſeems to us a paradox. It is
faid, that it is near three months fince
the revolution was effected, and yet there
is no appearance of extricating ourſelves
from the difficulties; and that the great
advantages expected to accrue from thoſe
countries will prove, it is feared, mere-
ly imaginary. It is only twenty days
fince the Burdwan Vackeel came here,
and ſettled the payment. This day is
the firſt payment due; and although the
Rajah's faith is not to be depended upon,
yet it is probable he will pay the money,
according to the agreement, to make his
peace; if not, the country is worth that,
and more money, and lies fo conveni-
ent,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
169
ent, that it can always be difpofed of as
we ſee beſt.
As to Midnapoor, it is not a month
fince captain White took poffeffion, and
he had no orders to collect money. Mr.
Johnſtone is appointed for that purpoſe,
but ſet out fo lately, that his arrival is
not yet heard of.
AND for Chittagong, Mr. Verelft, and
the other gentlemen appointed, ſet out
only twenty days ago. We muſt give
them time to arrive, before we can ex-
pect to collect money.
SURELY here is a fair proſpect of ad-
vantages accruing to the Company; and
of preſent benefits, inftances fhall alfo
be mentioned.
"THE payment of the arrears due
to the Engliſh troops at Patna; and of
what we advanced to the Nabob's troops.
"AN affiftance to the Company of
five lacks, which Mr. Batfon, at Cof-
fimbuzar, is now receiving,
"LEAVE granted for coining Moor-
fhedabad ficcas in our mint, which was
before confined to Calcutta ficcas.
" WHO
170
A Narrative of the
" WHO would there have been to
oppoſe the march of the Beerboom Ra-
jah, to the capital of Moorfhedabad ?
For the old Nabob had neither the means
of making his own troops take the field,
nor would he truft the Engliſh.
"WHERE Would the Nabob's troops,
at Patna, have got a fupply of feven or
eight lacks of rupees, as the prefent Na-
bob has paid them fince his coming to
the government ?"
WE believe no one will pretend to
ſay, the old Nabob would or could have
made ſuch efforts, or would have grant-
ed fuch favors to the Company.
As to the Mogul's Firmaun, there was
a time when the orders of Delly had
fome weight at Bengal, but that time is
no more. It is hard to fay who is King
at Delly, or who will be; but if ever it
comes to be fettled, there is little doubt
of Coffim Allee Cawn's getting a Fir-
maun, with as much eafe, as one was
procured for the old Nabob, who never
paid the King his ſhare of the revenues.
IT
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 171
IT is afferted, that the minifters com-
plained of, under the old Nabob, have
received marks of favor from the prefent
Nabob; two of them have received the
compliment of a kellaat, or a dreſs up-
on the adjuſtment of their accounts;
but they are in no employ or truft; if
they were, it would not be in their pow-
er to do now the fame injuries to the
Company and country, as they did in
the old Nabob's time; becauſe the pre-
fent Nabob would not be ſo eaſily led to
give ear to their evil councils as his pre-
deceffor.
IT is afferted alfo, that the preſent
Nabob has been guilty of fome affaffina-
tions. This the Governor believes is a
falfe report. He declares, that he had
not before heard of any fuch proceed-
ing, although he has pretty good intel-
ligence of what paffes; and that he has
enquired particularly, fince he faw it fo
pofitively afferted, and has great reaſon
to think it is an unjuft acccufation; if
it ſhould prove true, we should not fo
eafily excufe a crime fo fhocking, nor
think
172
A Narrative of the
think of it ſo lightly, as it is repreſent-
ed in Mr. Amyatt's minute *.
THAT Mr. Smyth fhould fubfcribe
to this opinion is not to be wondered at,
becauſe he fubfcribed to one of the like
nature of Mr. Verelft's, in confultation
of the 8th of November, without hav-
ing read any of the proceedings; but
that Mr. Ellis fhould fubfcribe to it, af-
ter fignifying his approbation of the mea-
fures, in many letters that have been
wrote on the fubject; and particularly
in one from the Select Committee to the
Governor and Colonel Caillaud, dated
the 24th of November, is fomewhat fur-
prifing, and gives freſh reaſon to appre-
hend, what has been long fufpected, that
other perſons, not in the Company's fer-
vice,
*It afterwards appeared, that there was no
foundation for Mr. Amyatt's affertion. The pre-
tended fufferers were a fon of Sirfraz Cawn (Na-
bob of Bengal above twenty years ago) and the wi-
dow of Alliverdee Cawn (the next Nabob after
Sirfraz Cawn). Upon enquiry, I found that theſe
two perfons, inftead of having fuffered any vio-
lence, were obliged to the Nabob's benevolence for
a handſome maintenance.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
173
vice, nor having any regard for the Com-
pany, are confulted upon affairs which
do not belong to them; by which un-
fortunately they gain an aſcendency over
the minds of better men than themſelves;
and this authority they exert to the ut-
moſt, to the purpoſe of making divifi-
ons in the ſettlement, and more parti-
cularly in the council. It is only fuch
pens as thofe, that can reflect upon the
late meaſures, as a breach of "all ties,
human and divine;" a reproach which
nothing can merit, but a premeditated
intention to do fome great ill.
IT were to be wiſhed, in diffents of
this nature, that the reaſons for the mea-
fures formed were confidered in their full
extent, the fituation of the Company at
home, and the fituation of their affairs
in general, well weighed. All theſe, in as
full a manner as poffible, were laid before
the board, and our neceffities and wants
fo plainly appeared, that all the mem-
bers prefent were fatisfied and convinc-
ed, that unleſs ſome other meaſures were
purſued, we could not keep up the cauſe
any
174
A Narrative of the
any longer. It was plain, that what
was propoſed to be done was rather the
effect of neceffity than choice; and what
followed was certainly unexpected. It
was therefore impoffible that Mr. Amyatt
could be made acquainted with a defign
that never exifted. Thofe, to whofe confi-
deration it fell, were unanimous in their
opinion; and they flatter themſelves,
that all who will take into their view
the then ſtate of affairs, the nature of
the refolutions taken, and all the cir-
cumſtances attending this tranſaction,
and will judge thereupon with candor,
not fuffering themſelves to be byaffed by
the prejudices of others, will do us more
juſtice, and be far from calling in que-
ftion our ſenſe of the faith of treaties,
or our regard for the nation's honor and
our own.
As I have taken notice of Mr. Ellis's
change in his opinion of the tranſactions
with the country government, it is pro-
per to infert his reply on the fubject.
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 175
·
Copy of Mr. Ellis's Minute of the 16th of
January, 1761.
R. ELLIS thinks it incumbent
MR.
on him to reply to that part of
the Governor's, &c. minute entered in laft
monday's confultation, where fuch fur-
prize is expreſſed at his diffent, after fig-
nifying his approbation of the late mea-
fures in many letters that have been wrote
on the ſubject. Mr. Ellis has carefully
perufed, and yet cannot find, that his
approbation is fignified, not even in that,
particularly quoted, of the 24th of No-
vember, unleſs a complimentary congra-
tulation can in any ways be conſtrued as
an approbation of the defign; a light in
which, he flatters himſelf, no impartial
judge can look upon it. His fentiments
with regard to the revolution have ne-
ver altered, nor have they ever been
kept a ſecret; but he conceives there
was no abfolute neceffity, they ſhould
appear upon the face of the confultations
till now, when it became fo for his own
juftification to his employers.
THE
176
A Narrative of the
THE reflection of his being influenc
ed in his opinion by others, though not
of fo good à turn of mind as himſelf,
is a compliment to his morals, at the ex-
pence of his capacity, which being mere-
ly perfonal, and quite foreign to the fub-
ject in hand, might as well have been
ſpared and in anſwer thereto, he only
wiſhes, for the good of the fettlement,
others in power were as little influenced
in the management of publick affairs,
by the opinion of thoſe about them, as
he himſelf."
SECTION
VI.
Dangerous Diſputes with the Nabob at
Patna, during the Command of Ma-
jor Carnac and Colonel Coote; and
the Removal of thofe Gentlemen from
that Station.
First Effects of Meer Coffim's Admini-
ftration.-He takes the Field. Select
Committee's Orders to Major Carnac.
-Major Carnac's Anfwer. Further
Orders
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
177
Orders of the Select Committee to Ma-
jor Carnac.-Meer Coffim marches to
Patna.-Major Carnac's Letter to the
Select Committee, containing an Ac-
count of his Interview with Meer Cof-
fim.-Meer Coffim's Letter to Mr.
Vanfittart, on the fame Subject.-Or-
ders thereupon from the Select Commit-
tee to Major Carnac.-Colonel Ccote
arrives in Bengal, and takes the Com-
mand of the Army at Patna.-The Or-
ders given him by the Select Committee.
-Letter from Major Carnac to the
Select Committee.--Colonel Coote
joins with Major Carnac in oppofing the
Nabob.-Ramnarain protected by them,
refuſes to ſettle the Accounts of his Go-
vernment.-Several Letters from the
Nabob, giving an Account of the Con-
Sequences of thefe Difputes. -Orders
thereupon from the Select Committee to
Colonel Coote.-Two Leters from the
Nabob, containing Complaints against
Colonel Coote, and particularly of a
Sally made by the Colonel into his Camp.
-Two Letters from Mr. M'Gwire,
VOL. I.
N
on
178 A Narrative of the
on the fame Subjects.-Mr. Vanfittart
lays before the Council an Account of
theſe Diſturbances. Their Orders in
Confequence, recalling Colonel Coote and
Major Carnac to Calcutta. Two Let-
ters from Colonel Coote, containing an
Account of his Proceedings.
HE good effects of the Nabob's at-
THE
tention to the economy of his go-
vernment foon appeared; for befides the
feven lacks, which (as I have already
mentioned) he diſpatched to Patna with
Colonel Caillaud, he paid his troops, at
Moorfhedabad, fo large a fhare of the ar-
rears due to them, that they were well
fatisfied, and ready to take the field;
and upon Colonel Caillaud's further re-
preſentation of the wants of the forces at
Patna, he ſent Nobit Roy, one of his
principal officers there, with three lacks
of rupees, and powers to examine and
fettle the accounts, and grant proper af-
fignments for the balance. He alſo
gave orders for fix or feven lacks to be
paid, in the months of December, Ja-
¨nuary,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
179
nuary, and February, to Mr.Batfon, at
Coffimbuzar, towards the diſcharge of his
engagements with the Company; which
orders were punctually complied with.
Theſe helps given by the Nabob, ena-
bled us to ſpare two lacks and a half out
of our treaſury, which were diſpatched
to Madras, in the month of November,
and arrived there very opportunely for the
ſervice of the army before Pondicherry.
THE Nabob took the field himſelf
the beginning of December, and en-
camped between Moorfhedabad and
Beerboom, till major Carnac's fuccefs
againſt the Shahzada, and captain White's
againſt the Rajah of Beerboom, had in
a great meaſure cleared the country; and
then having ſpent a few days at Beer-
boom, for the regulation of that pro-
vince, proceeded to Patna. At his re-
queft, major York was ordered to at-
tend him; and the Select Committee
fent the following inftructions to major
Carnac, relative to the affiftance he was
to give him.
N 2
Extract
180 A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee to Major Carnac. Dated Cal-
cutta, February 9, 1761.
66
WE obferve, that when Colonel
Caillaud began his march to
Patna, the beginning of last year, he
had particular inſtructions from Colonel
Clive, and the reft of the Committee,
to protect Ramnarain; in cafe of the
Nabob's making any attempt againſt his
perſon or honor. We believe ſuch an
injunction at this time unneceffary, as
the preſent Nabob feems to be well in-
clined towards Ramnarain; but ſhould
it prove otherwife, it is our refolution
to have the fame regard to the former
engagements, in his favor, as was then
defigned; and therefore direct you, in
cafe of neceffity, to protect Ramnarain
againſt all violence and injuſtice that
may be offered to his perfon, honor, or
fortune.
As to Rajebullub, he can have no
reaſonable objection to a fair examina-
tion of his accounts by the Nabob, or
fuch
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 181
ſuch perſon as he ſhall appoint; that a
juſt ſtatement being made of all the mo-
nies he has received, for defraying the
charges of the troops under his com-
mand, together with a due enquiry of
what number of troops have really been
kept up, and how much every one has
been paid; the balance that is found due
may then be diſcharged, and Rajebullub
be employed again or not, as the Na-
bob thinks proper. This the Nabob
declares is all he afks, and in this (as it is
juft and reaſonable) you will yield him
all the neceffary affiftance."
$1
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Select Committee, in Anfwer ta
the foregoing. February 24, 1761.
You may depend
OU may depend upon my giv-
ing the Nabob all the affiſtance
in my power, to fettle every thing in the
province in the beſt manner; I will al-
fo very readily lend my affiftance in the
adjuſting the payment of that part of
the troops under Rajebullub, as far as
he means to act fairly by them; but
N 3
fhould
182
A Narrative of the
fhould he expect any fupport from me
in acts of injuſtice, he will be much mif-
taken. The English forces, while I
have the honor of commanding them,
ſhall never be employed as inftruments
of violence and oppreffion.
YOUR directions, in regard to Ram-
narain, fhall be religioufly obſerved: I
could not have received any order from
you, with more pleaſure than this, of
protecting a perfon for whom I know
Colonel Clive had a particular regard,
and who himſelf deferves much at the
hands of the Engliſh, on account of the
attachment he has all along fhewn them,
however ill he might be diſpoſed to
the Nabob."
THE reader will fee, by the ftile of
this letter, how ready major Carnac was
to fhew the prejudices which he had en-
tertained against the Nabob, and his
eagerness to enter into difputes with the
board, fince he could write in fo unbe-
coming and arrogant a ſtrain, in anſwer
to their orders, which were delivered
him in the moſt decent terms, and were
confeffedly
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
183
confeffedly the moſt agreeable to his own
way of thinking. This obfervation is
made once for all, as the fame vanity
and intemperance will appear in all his
writing.
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Mef. Vanfittart, Amyatt, El-
lis, and Sumner) to Major Carnac.
March 7, 1761, in Reply to the Above.
E imagine the Nabob has be-
WE
fore this time reached Patna.
By his conduct hitherto, we ſee no rea-
fon to apprehend his engaging in any
acts of violence or injuftice; nor, if he
fhould, is it our defire you ſhould fup-
port him in them; our directions for your
conduct with reſpect to him are only
thefe; that you give him the affiſtance
hè may apply for, to reduce to obedi-
ence fuch Zemindars, as have been dif-
affected to the government of Moorfhe-
dabad, and to enable him to eſtabliſh
fecurity, in the ſeveral countries of the
Bahar province, and collect the revenues
due therefrom; and in regard to Raje-
bullub,
N 4
1
184
A Narrative of the
vernment.
bullub, and all others, who have had
the management of the public monies,
or the payment of the troops, or other-
wife have accounts to fettle with the go-
As their difpofition to make
uſe of the protection of the Engliſh, to
fcreen them from a juft and ufual exa-
mination is well known, you will be
careful not to give them countenance
or encouragement, ſo far as to put it in
their power to make an ill ufe of your
name and authority; but, on the con-
trary, if any ſhall obftinately and un-
reaſonably perfiſt in refuſing to ſettle ac-
counts with the government, you are
to give the Nabob the affiftance he may
require for compelling them to it.”
The Nabob arrived at Patna the be-
ginning of March; and his firſt inter-
view with major Carnac was at Bykunt-
poor. The flights which the Major
put upon the Nabob at this interview,
may be regarded as a proof, that he had
conceived fome prejudice againſt him be-
fore his arrival; and that the wiſhed for
harmony was not to be expected between
them.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
185
them. The following extracts of the
Nabob's and the Major's letters will ſhew,
what account each party gave of the con-
verſation that paſſed at the firſt meeting.
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Select Committee. Patna,
March 6, 1761.
HE Nabob continues encamped
"Tat Bykuntpoor, about fix or fe-
;
ven cofs off, where I have waited upon.
him whatever good qualities he may
have, courage is not one of them; he
betrays a moſt ſhameful fear of the Shah-
zada, though the unhappy prince is re-
duced fo low, as to be much more an
object of pity than of fear. Not think-
ing himſelf fufficiently fecure with the
large force he brought up with him, he
fent for, without acquainting me, both
Ramnarain and Rajebullub, with their
forces, whom I had directed to remain
in Camgar Cawn's country, with a de-
tachment from our army, under the
Command of captain Champion. I no
fooner heard of this, but I recalled cap-
tain
186
A Narrative of the
tain Champion likewife, which has given
the Nabob great offence, fo great, that
he aſked me in the publick Durbar, whe-
ther I would comply with the contents
of the letter he brought me from the
Prefident. I answered him I would, as
far as I was well perfuaded Mr. Vanfit-
tart expected from me, who did not mean
that I was to pay him an implicit obe-
dience. I further told him, that the
direction of the Engliſh forces was left
with me; and that it was not reaſonable
any part of them fhould remain in a
country with which they were wholly
unacquainted, after he had withdrawn
his own people. I have however, at his
requeſt, ordered captain Champion's de-
tachment to halt awhile at Bahar, but
ſhall call them in entirely, unleſs he fends
out a body of his own troops to act in
conjunction with them; the neglect
whereof will infallibly bring Camgar
Cawn out of his hills again.
THE Nabob next aſked me, whether
I looked upon him as Subahdar of the
provinces, and was willing to aſſiſt him
as
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
187
as fuch? In anſwer to which I plainly
told him, I would give him all the af-
fiftance I could, confiftent with honor
and juſtice; that further I would not do
for him or any man. The very queſtion
gives me room to ſuſpect he has fome
unreaſonable demands to make of me;
ſhould this be the cafe, he will undergo
the mortification of a denial. I parted
from the Nabob yeſterday evening. We
were both, you will judge, pretty much
diffatisfied with each other; he with
me, for fpeaking my mind fo freely to
him, a thing very unprecedented in this
country; and I with him, for the de-
lays and obftructions he is likely to cauſe
to our military operations."
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Vanfittart. Received March 13,
1761.
"Ο
N the 26th of Rejub I arrived
at Bykuntpoor, where I had the
pleaſure of meeting major Carnac, Mha-
rajah Ramnarain, and Mharajah Rajebul-
lub. Among other things, the Major
told
188
A Narrative of the
told me, that he had ſent for the troops
which were at Gaunty, in the Zemin-
darree of Camgar Cawn. I replied, that
to chaſtiſe Camgar Cawn was no diffi-
cult matter; but that it was not proper
to recall the troops belonging to the
Company and myſelf, in ſo much haſte,
from the place where they were ſtation-
ed. This he did not confent to; but
replied, that he would certainly ſend for
his Engliſh troops. I delivered your
letter to him; when he peruſed it, he
faid, that Mr. Vanfittart is two hundred
cofs from hence; and that he would do
whatever he thought adviſeable. I was
perfuaded that he would have acted ac-
cording to your directions, and did not
imagine, that he would have given me
fuch an anſwer."
THE Select Committee hoping, by a
further explanation of their intentions,
to prevent any more difputes, wrote
major Carnac as follows:
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
189
Copy of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Meffieurs Vanfittart, Amyatt,
Ellis and Sumner) to Major Carnac.
E have received your favor of
WE
the 6th; fuch part thereof as
relates to the Shahzada, we fhall fully
reply to in an addrefs to yourſelf and Mr.
McGuire. We are extremely concerned,
to ſee the diſagreeable circumſtances that
paſſed at your first interview with the
Nabob; eſpecially, as fuch a want of
confidence ſhewn in a publick Durbar,
cannot fail to hurt both parties in the
eyes of the world. We hope a longer
acquaintance will create a greater har-
mony; which we muſt earneſtly recom-
mend both to you and the Nabob, as
the publick ſervice muſt ſuffer if any dif-
ferences fubfift; for thoſe are never want-
ing, who will feek to make their advan-
tage by it.
It is certainly right, and conforma-
ble to on
inclinations, that the diſpoſi-
tion of the army, and the determination
on all military matters, ſhould reft with
our
190
A Narrative of the
our commanding officer. The Nabob's
fending for Ramnarain and Rajebullub
with their forces, without first confult-
ing you, was a very imprudent ſtep, and
much to be blamed, and perhaps may
have been attended with bad confe-
quences to his own affairs; as it feems
to have been in the power of Camgar
Cawn to have returned to his own coun-
try.
We cannot ſuppoſe the Nabob had
any fuch view, becauſe it is evidently
his own lofs; but whatever his reaſons
might be, he ought certainly to have
acquainted you with them.
you with them.
And we
doubt not but he will be fenfible, from
your repreſentations, how much his own
intereft depends on following your ad-
vice in all military matters. On the o-
ther hand, it is our intention, that you
comply with his requeſt, in every thing
refpecting the regulation of the coun-
try, and the collection of the revenues.
Any detachment he may ask for, fuch
ſervices you are to grant; unleſs you
have reaſon to judge, that the fafety of
our troops will be at too great a riſk.
We
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 191
We think this diſtinction ſufficiently clear,
and flatter ourſelves that no difputes can
hereafter arife."
Soon after this, Colonel Coote ar-
rived in Bengal, and was appointed to
take the command of the army at Patna.
He accordingly ſet out the 22d of April,
and the following inftructions were given
him by the Select Committee.
Extract of the Inftructions from the Se-
lect Committee (Mef. Vanfittart,
Coote, Amyatt, and Ellis) to Colonel
Coote. April 21, 1761.
E are adviſed by major Carnac,
WE
that there is a difference be-
tween the Nabob and Ramnarain, rela-
tive to the accounts of the Patna pro-
vince. We hope this may be amicably
and reaſonably adjuſted, and requeſt you
will give your affiftance towards it as
much as poffible. As Ramnarain has
been remarkably fteady in his alliance
with the Company, and received from
Colonel Clive particular affurances of his
protection with refpect to his perfon,
fortune,
192
A Narrative of the
fortune, and government, we recom-
mend to you to fecure him againſt all at-
tempts of oppreffion or injuſtice; and
further, that the government of Patna be
preſerved for him, if it is his inclination
to continue in it. It is needlefs for us
to add, that it will be far more agreea-
ble to all parties, if that can be done by
repreſenting to the Nabob the obliga-
tions we are under to Ramnarain, and
preventing by that means the neceffity
of any forcible meaſures.”
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Mef. Vanfittart, Amyatt, and
Ellis) to Colonel Coote. April 28, 1761.
ΤΗ
HE Nabob has made various re-
preſentations to us of the dif-
fettling his
As, on the
ficulties he meets with, in
accounts with Ramnarain.
one hand, we are inclined to fupport
Ramnarain in the government of Pat-
na, with all its juft advantages; fo, on
the other hand, we would protect the
Nabob in the refpect and authority due
to him, and afford him every affiſtance
for
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 193
for the collection of his revenues, with-
out which it is impoffible he can pay
the arrears of his troops, or fupport the
other charges of his government. The
nature of the differences between them
feems to be fuch, as can only be adjuſt-
ed by arbitration; and for this determi-
nation, we can pitch upon no other per-
fon fo well qualified as yourſelf. We
therefore requeft you will make this
bufinefs one of the firft articles of your
attention; and when you are yourſelf ac-
quainted with the merits of the cauſe,
you will tranſmit them to us, with your
fentiments thereon."
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Mef. Vanfittart, Amyatt and
Ellis) to Colonel Coote, and Mr.
McGwire. May 8, 1761.
66
WE
E defire you, gentlemen, will
uſe your utmoſt endeavors to
adjuſt the accounts between the Nabob
and Ramnarain, in fuch a manner, as
fhall appear to you moſt equitable and
fo, that the revenues may be duly col-
VOL. I.
lected,
Q
194
A Narrative of the
lected, and the balances not be loft to
the fircar, and the public fervice,"
UPON the news of Colonel Coote's
arrival, Major Carnac determined to quit
Patna, and wrote to the Select Commit-
tee in the following terms.
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Select Committee. May 8, 1761.
ke
A
S Colonel Coote is coming to the
army, who is ſo very able to
take charge, both of your military and
political concerns, there will be no fur-
ther occafion for my fervices; and as I
have great reaſon to believe I ſhall return
to Europe the next feaſon, unleſs fome-
thing unforeſeen fhould happen, I am
to request the favor of your permiffion
to apply to Colonel Coote, for leave to
go to Calcutta on his arrival. I fhould
not make this requeft fo early, but that
I am defirous to be there in time; that
in cafe I go home (which is highly pro-
bable) I may be able to get myſelf rea-
dy to take the opportunity of the firſt
conveyance."
BUT
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
195
BUT upon the Colonel's arrival at
Patna, this refolution was prefently al-
tered, and they feem to have determin-
ed to ſtay there together, on purpoſe
to counteract, the more effectually, the
Nabob in every ftep he was taking for
regulating that distracted province. The
Colonel, before he left the coaft, had
declared himſelf to be one of the oppo-
fition againſt the meaſures taken, fince
my coming to Bengal, and this I well
knew; but as I was confcious of the
neceffity of thofe meaſures, and the
country already felt the good effects of
them, I did not apprehend, that any
men would be fo violent, as to riſk the
public tranquility to fatisfy their preju-
dices, eſpecially as all the orders of the
Select Committee, to the commanding
officers at Patna, tended to give the Na-
bob a due authority over his own peo-
ple, and to affift his interefts in all that he.
could reaſonably afk. However, it foon
appeared how little effect theſe orders
could have, when oppofed againſt the
refolutions of a violent party. Hardly
O 2
a day
196
A Narrative of the
a day paſt, but Colonel Coote, and ma-
jor Carnac, found fome opportunity of
diftreffing the Nabob, and throwing dif-
ficulties in his way. The Shahzada,
who after his defeat had put himſelf un-
der our protection, and had been ac-
knowledged King by us and the Nabob,
was yet at Patna, and the Nabob was
defirous of obtaining his grants for the
Subahdarree of the provinces; but Co-
lonel Coote oppoſed the application, and
he was obliged to wait, and procure
them at a great increaſe of expence, af-
ter the King had left the province. Ram-
narain, the Naib (or deputy Governor)
of the Patna province, had three years
accounts of his adminiſtration to fettle,
to avoid which, he made uſe of every
ſhift and artifice that could be invent-
ed, and fo effectually fcreened himſelf
under the protection of the Colonel and
Major, that for four months together not
a fingle explanation could be had from
him. He was well acquainted with
their ill difpofition towards the Nabob,
and flattered himſelf, that he might in-
flame
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
197
flame it ſo far, as to cauſe an open breach
fo
between them, and fo raiſe himſelf up-
on the Nabob's ruin. Whether Colonel
Coote was led by Ramnarain's intrigues,
or impelled by his own prejudices a-
gainſt the Nabob, I ſhall not attempt
to determine; but nothing could be bet-
ter calculated to produce the effects
they both wiſhed, than the ſtep the Co-
lonel took upon a report, abfolutely in-
credible. It was pretended, that the
Nabob, with the undifciplined rabble,
which devolved to him from his prede-
ceffor, had a defign of attacking our
army within the city of Patna, where-
upon Colonel Coote made a fally to
the Nabob's camp, with a large eſcort
at fuch an hour, and in fuch a humor,
that if he and the Nabob had met, in
all probability, it would have caufed an
immediate ſcene of hoftility; but the
Nabob was in his fleeping tent, and
did not appear.
I LEAVE the world to judge of this,
and all the tranfactions during the time
that Colonel Coote and major Carnac
03
were
198
:
A Narrative of the
were at Patna, from the following ori-
ginal papers.
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Vanfittart.
66
1761.
Received April 12,
IROUGH the inftigations of
THR
the difaffected, the ties of friend-
ſhip are broke between the major and
me. He gives me fuch orders, as it is
not in my power to comply with, and
will not liften to the anfwers I make
him. For feveral days it has been re-
ported, that the Shah will march from
hence, and the Major told me to-day,
that he would accompany him to the
Currumnaffa, and defired, I would let
Mharajah Ramnarain proceed with him,
and that I would give the Shah two
lacks of rupees more for his way charges;
I replied, that Mharajah Ramnarain was
the commander of this country; and
that it was neceffary he ſhould ſtay to
regulate the affairs.
Extract
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 199
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to Mr.
Vanfittart. Received April 28, 1761.
"I
BEFORE heard of the imprudence
and evil intentions of Ramnarain';
but fince my arrival at Patna, I have
feen nothing but his bafenefs and deceit;
and therefore major Carnac is difpleafed
with me, and has fent me fuch meſſages
by Mr. Lufhington, as it is not in my
power to comply with. Till this time,
I did not think it neceffary to acquaint
you with the whole affair; but the bu-
fineſs is now going out of my hands,
and through the wickednefs of my ene-
mies, my affairs will be ruined. It is
neceffary for me to acquaint you with
all the particulars, and to defire your
advice.
FROM what the Major wrote me, I
imagine he is diſpleaſed. Incloſed I
fend you two of his letters for your pe--
rufal. I am much furprized, that tho'
you wrote to the gentlemen to be in
friendſhip with me, and follow my ad-
vice, yet they act in fuch manner, that
I have
0 4
200
A Narrative of the
I have no power over my own Naib;
and then what other buſineſs can I car-
ry on? Now Colonel Coote is coming,
and major Carnac is on good terms with
him, doubtless you have properly re-
prefented to him, that according to the
firft agreement, whoever remains in this
province, on the part of the Company,
is to be my ally, and act agreeably to my
defire. Take care that what regulations
I think proper to make in this province,
may be confented to by the gentlemen,
or elſe give me orders to deliver the af-
fairs of the province into their hands."
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Vanfittart. Received April 30,
1761.
tr
"You
YOU
OU acquaint me, that I muſt reſt
fatisfied, and put an end to the
bufinefs, and that I must not be under
any apprehenfions of others. Before my
arrival here, I underſtood, that the af-
fairs of the province were ruined, and
that Ramnarain acted contrary to my in-
tereft; but fince my arrival, I have been
an
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
201
·
an eye-witneſs of it. Ramnarain, by
his deceits, has brought the Major over
to his intereft, and it was through his
repreſentations, that the Major fent Mr.
Luſhington ſo often to me, to defire I
would give him leave to depart. · Ram-
narain, well knowing that the Major
accompanied the Shah, was defirous of
going with him, becauſe his paying the
money due from him, and giving me an
account of his conduct, would be de-
layed by that means."
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr.Vanfittart, Received June 15,1761.
OU have ſeveral times wrote me
You
to procure a funnud for the Su-
bahdarree. In confequence of your let-
ters, I drew up an addrefs to his Ma-
jeſty, when he had intentions of pro-
ceeding to Delly with his royal ſtandard;
and I wanted to prefent it, and get it
figned by his Majefty; but Colonel
Coote would not confent to it, and
therefore I deferred it.'
Extract
202 A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Vanfittart. Received June 16,1761.
HE ftate of affairs here is as
THE
follows. You were pleaſed to
intimate to me, that I ſhould examine
the accounts of Mharajah Ramnarain ;
in confequence of which, I appointed
Mharajah Rajebullub to examine the
faid accounts in the prefence of Colonel
Coote; and fent word to Mharajah Ram-
narain of the reſolution taken by the
council; he replied, that he would con-
fider upon it, and give an anfwer; and
for four or five days, Mharajah Raje-
bullub conſtantly attended the Colonel,
in order to examine the papers. Yefter-
day Ramnarain made this anſwer to the
Colonel; "I will not oppoſe the order
of the council, and now, that you fay,
the Nabob is my mafter, I will attend
upon and confer with him." Laft night
the Colonel came to my tent, and told
me, that he had received no orders from
the council for the difmiffion of Ram-
narain; that I might make a fcrutiny
into
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
203
into his accounts, and if he was con-
victed of any misconduct, and the coun-
cil's orders fhould authorize it, he ſhould
be difmiffed, but without this, it could
by no means be done: and Mr. Watts
came to me with Rajebullub in the name
of the Colonel, and propoſed the con-
firmation of Camgar Cawn, with many
other demands, and faid feveral unbe-
coming things, which I think not fit to
repeat; in ſhort, I have no power in
any one affair of the government. The
Colonel defired me to go into the * Kel-
lah. How can I go to the Kellah with-
out any authority, and whilſt my enemy
is in full poffeffion? When I talk of go-
ing to Moorfhedabad, he replies, that
Shuja Dowla is at hand, and adds, that
I pay no regard to his words: I anfwer,
"In the name of God, in what inftance
have I been, or am I deficient? Do you
take the provinces of Bengal and Bahar
into
your own hands, and make me ac-
countable for all that I have received
theſe ſeven months paſt." But nothing I
fay
*The palace within the city.
204
A Narrative of the
fay is complied with; I have no reliance
on any one but you, and none elſe can
conduct my affairs. There is a juft de-
mand on Mharajah Ramnarain of large
fums, on account of the laſt four years.
If I make an enquiry into his accounts,
I ſhall receive a large fupply of money;
notwithſtanding this, I remain here wea-
ried out, and involved in vexations. The
army murmurs on account of the dear-
neſs of grain, and the ſubjects are re-
duced, by their diſorders, to the moſt
fatal extremities. This wretch fits
here fomenting diffentions, and giving
my life and fortune a prey to my feepoys.
For God's fake let not go my hand in
the middle of the fea, but affift me as
you have always done; and write, in the
moft preffing terms, to the Colonel, and
fend an order of the council, that he
oppoſe not the removal of the Naib of
this place, and leave the country now in
my hands. After this, I will finiſh all
the accounts.
* Ramnarain.
Extract
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 205
Extract of a Letter from the Select Com-
mittee (Meffieurs Vanfittart, Amyatt,
Ellis and Sumner) to Colonel Coote.
June 18, 1761.
WE hope your advice has had
fome effect upon Ramnarain.
It ſeems, however, by his delays in fet-
tling accounts upon the footing directed
in our joint letter to yourſelf and Mr.
M'Gwire, dated the 17th of laſt month,
that he is endeavoring, by evading the
delivery of his accounts, to preſerve
his own authority of the Subahſhip,
and prevent the Nabob from collect-
ing any money. It is neither equita-
ble nor expedient to fuffer any more
of the revenues to be loft; but while
the old accounts are under examina-
tion, let the Nabob place his own peo-
ple to collect all the growing rents, and
to call the Zemindars to account for
their balances; and let Ramnarain's
power be fufpended until his accounts
are ſettled; and a computation of the
rents tranſmitted us, with the Nabob's
propo-
206
A Narrative of the
propoſals, for our determination, as de-
fired in our before-mentioned letter.
THE Speedy execution of this is the
more neceſſary, as our only dependence
for ſupplying the army with money is
from the Nabob's balance of about eight
lacks, which we have defired him to pay
to the chief and council at Patna; but
which, in his letter to the Preſident re-
ceived laſt night, he fays it is impoffible
for him to do, or indeed to pay his own
troops, until his Aumildars are put in
poffeffion of the growing revenues, and
he is fully fupported in calling Ramna-
rain to an account for his adminiftration,
as well as collecting the balances due
from the Zemindars. He adds in the
fame letter, "I have not now the
of collecting a fingle rupee.'
power
IN another letter received at the fame
time, and of which inclofed is a copy,
he ſpeaks of an application made to him
in behalf of Camgar Cawn, and other
recommendations of the fame nature:
he complains of the unbecoming man-
ner in which theſe applications have been
made;
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
207
made; and reprefents the bad effects
fuch protections have upon his autho-
rity. As he leaves us in the uncontroul-
ed poffeffion of the countries made over
to the Company, fo neither ought we
to interfere in his difpofition of thofe
remaining under his jurifdiction; nor
indeed, is it confiftent with the treaty
fubfifting between the Nabob and the
Company, or the good government of
the country. You will be pleaſed to let
the Nabob fettle all the affairs of his de-
pendence as he thinks fit; and only grant
him, upon his application, fuch mili-
tary affiftance as he may require, and
the ſtate of our army permit."
Copy of a Letter from the Nabob to Mr.
Vanfittart. Dated June 16, 1761.
INCE the arrival of Col. Coote,
SINCE
agreeably to your directions, ef-
teeming his will worthy of my princi-
pal attention, and regarding our mutual
friendſhip, I have never been deficient
in acting agreeably thereto. After his
arrival here, he ſpoke to me in the fol--
lowing
208
A Narrative of the
lowing manner concerning the King's
affairs; "that as long as he ſhould remain
here, I ſhould confent to allow him a
expences;
lack of rupees monthly for his
and that when he ſhould go to Delly, I
fhould confent to diſmiſs him with twelve
lacks of rupees and a few troops." Thefe
articles, for the Colonel's fatisfaction, I
was under a neceffity of confenting to;
and I went to his Majefty, and told him
I would be anfwerable for theſe condi-
tions; but he would not coníent to it.
Afterwards the Colonel directed me to
pay, befides what I before gave him,
fifty thousand rupees. Agreeable there-
fore to the Colonel's defire, I gave him
the faid fum by the means of Mharajah
Ramnarain, befides what I paid before.
His Majesty made no ftay here, but de-
termined to proceed to Delly, and is now
on his march that way. When his Ma-
jefty was departing, I spoke to the Co-
lonel concerning the obtaining of the
funnud; but he was not fatisfied, and
forbad me. I was under a neceffity of
acquiefcing in his pleafure, and deferred
it,
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 209
it, nor mentioned it again. Roy Shita-
broy, who is appointed for the negotia-
tion of affairs at his Majefty's court, always
endeavors to throw things into confu-
fion I frequently defired the Colonel
to diſmiſs him as an incendiary, and ap-
point another in his place, but he would
not liſten to it. Ever fince the Colonel
came here, to this time, I have regard-
ed what he ſaid and directed, as of the
greateſt importance; and have done every
thing according to his will, in order to
gain his friendſhip; I have looked upon
every thing he faid as of the greateſt
conſequence, making it a principal point
to eſtabliſh a friendſhip between us, and
to gain his affection. According to the
rules of friendſhip, I have obſerved all
the cuſtoms and forms in entertainments
of eating and reciprocal vifits more at-
tentively and more heartily with him,
than I ever did with any other perfon.
In every reſpect, I have done every thing
to pleaſe and fatisfy him, and entered in-
to mutual engagements with him; not-
withſtanding which behavior, he has
VOL. I.
Р
not
210 A Narrative of the
not confented to a fingle thing that I
have requeſted of him. Agreeably to
what you wrote to me formerly concern-
ing Mharajah Ramnarain's affairs, I
ſpoke to the Colonel, and at his recom-
mendation appointed Mharajah Rajebul-
lub to examine the accounts.
Golaum
Allee Cawn, and the faid Mharajah, went
backwards and forwards to the Kella for
fifteen or fixteen days together; but
Ramnarain neither gave them a fingle
paper, nor a writer to attend them. Af-
terwards the Colonel came and faid to
me,
"We Europeans do not under-
ſtand the country accounts, I will fend
Mharajah Ramnarain to you; he fhall
not be difmiffed, but you may examine
his accounts yourſelf." This I would
not confent to; nevertheleſs, the next
day he ſent him to me, contrary to my
will, with Mr. Watts. Since that day,
to the preſent moment, he (Ramnarain)
protracts the time in going backwards
and forwards, and fixing the time for
preparing his papers, but he has not pro-
duced a fingle paper, nor paid a ſingle
cowry,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
211
cowry, nor delivered over the charge of
a rupee's worth of the country. Tho'
I have complained, no one would liften
to me, nor give me redrefs. Ever fince
my arrival here, the English feepoys
have been ſtationed at the gates of the
city, and would not permit my people
to pafs and repafs. Mr. McGwire being
ſomewhat indiſpoſed, I went to ſee him
at the factory; and from thence I went
to the Colonel, and fat down and con-
verfed with him. He defired, that on
Tueſday the 12th of Zeckaada, I would
go into the Kella, and on Friday the
15th, caufe the Cootba to be read, and
ficcas ftruck in the name of his Majefty.
This I agreed to, and returned home.
When the officers of my troops heard
that I was going into the Kella, they
repreſented, that they fhould have fre-
quent occafion to come to me, in order
to lay their requeſts and petitions before
me; and that till the feepoys, &c. were
taken off, they could not pafs and repafs
without interruption; that when Meer
Mahomed Jaffier Allee Cawn, and Na-
fir-ool-
P 2
212
A Narrative of the
fir-ool-moolk, deceaſed, refided in the
Kella, the feepoy guards were not upon
the gates; and that till they were taken
off, they ſhould not be able to paſs;
confidering, therefore, that the feepoys
were men of low difpofition, frequently
oppofing men of credit in paffing, and
preſenting their pieces to them, and that
many of my people were proud and
haughty, ſo that diſputes might ariſe,
and diſturbances be created; I therefore
wrote a letter to the Colonel, requeſting
he would take off the feepoys from the
gates, and that then I would go to the
Kella. Upon the receipt of this letter,
which contained no more than what I
have here mentioned, the Colonel was
very angry, and flew into fuch a paffion,
that he ſaid he would fend for the King
again; and told Golaum Allee Cawn,
who was then prefent, that he would
not take the guards off the gates, and
that I might ſend troops to drive them
off. Since the day the Colonel arrived
here, he has declared to me, that I muft
comply with every thing that he ſhall
recom-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
213
recommend; and, accordingly, he has
fince told me in perfon, and by meffages
brought by Mr. Watts and Sheik Cu-
maul, that "I muſt appoint Nundcoo-
mar to the Fougedarree of Hoogly, give
the government of Purnea to the ſon of
Allee Cooley Cawn, reftore Muzuffer
Allee (who plundered Nafir-ool-moolk's
jewels to the amount of eight lacks of
rupees) to the Zemindarree of Carrack-
poor, reſtore Camgar Cawn to the Ze-
mindarree of Mey, and regulate the
Zemindarrees of Radſhay and Dinage-
poor, according to his pleaſure." Tho'
I defired the Colonel to appoint a Mut-
tafeddee, to examine the accounts of my
eight months government, and fet me
free, he would not liften to it. All my
hopes of reliance are on your friendſhip
and attachment to your engagements.
This is the only confolation I have un-
der my preſent afflictions; it is the de-
pendence I have upon your word that
keeps me alive, without this, it would
be impoffible to ſurvive them. My hopes
were, from the revenues of this
pro-
P 3
vince,
214
A Narrative of the
vince, to pay my debt to the Company,
and reduce the number of my forces;
but nothing is yet done, I apprehend
the feepoys will affemble, as in Meer
Jaffier Allee Cawn's time, and put my
life in danger, and bring fhame and dif-
honor upon my family. In the eight
months of my government, I have ſcarce
had leiſure to drink a little water, I have
not had a minute's time to eat or enjoy
fleep. The four months that I have been
here, involved in troubles, I have not
enjoyed the leaſt happineſs, except in
the confidence I have in your friendſhip.
My ſhame and diſhonor are compleated,
and I have no one to complain to but
you; I hope you will ſpeedily write me
in what manner I can extricate myſelf
from thefe difficulties, and eſtabliſh my
credit and reputation. Every particular
of what I have now wrote has befallen
me, God is my witnefs, and Mr.
McGwire is acquainted with every cir-
cumſtances. I am forry that you, who
are my patron, and the partaker of my
afflictions, fhould at this time be at fuch
a diftance,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
215
a diſtance, and that fo much time ſhould
be taken up in writing and receiving let-
ters. The rains are come on, and the
feepoys wages daily increaſe. The af-
fairs of the country fall every day into
greater confufion, and every thing con-
tributes to make my life a burthen to
me; my hopes are in your favor, for
God's fake make no delay; if you do,
my affairs are utterly ruined. Now this
remains that you, who are concerned in
my welfare, come here yourſelf, or fend
for me to relate my forrows to you.
In the Nabob's own Hand.
ALL affairs here are at an end, and the
ruinous fituation of my affairs, at this
place, has rendered my cafe defperate. !
have wrote to you every particular, and
hope from your benevolence, that you
will confider every fyllable, and ſpeedi-
ly redrefs my complaints.
Extract
P 4
A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
Mr. Vanfittart. Dated June 17, 1761.
ESTERDAY I fent you by the
YES
means of Mr. M'Gwire a letter,
containing all the news, the contents of
which you will underſtand. Laft night
Colonel Coote made an entertainment
for the Dutch, and was making merry.
His guards were ftationed all round the
Kella. About twelve at night Mhara-
jah Ramnarain collected his people to-
gether, and fent word to the Colonel,
that I had got my troops in readineſs to
attack the Kella in the morning, and
that I would ſpare neither of them. The
Colonel, being deceived by the fnare,
got his people ready. My Hircarras
brought me intelligence of it, but I gave
no credit to it. This morning Mr. Watts
entered my private apartment, which is
near the Zenana, calling out, "Where
is the Nabob?" and then stopt. After
him Colonel Coote, in a great paffion
with his horſemen, Peons, Seepoys and
others, with a cocked piftol in each
hand,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
217
*
hand, came fwearing into my tent. It
fo happened, that I was afleep in the
Zenana, and none of my guards were
prefent. How ſhall I exprefs the unbe-
coming manner in which the Colonel
went about from tent to tent, with thir-
ty-five horſemen and two hundred feepoys,
calling out, "Where is the Nabob?"
He left fome of his people at the Ze-
nana and Dewanconna, and went towards
the fouth tent. The eunuch of the
Serai and Mr. Watts prevented his en-
tering, faying, the Nabob is aſleep, and
this is the private tent of the Zenana.
The Colonel returned, and proceeded
through my whole army, and ſeeing e-
very one without arms, or any prepara-
tions, went back to the Kella. This
baſeman is ungrateful, treacherous,
and intent only on miſchief; and to fup-
port fuch a wicked man, who has not
any fear of God, and has even forgot
himſelf, is to give caufe for continual
animofities. This you never ſuſpected.
* The original is, uttering God-dammees.
+ Ramnarain.
He
218
A Narrative of the
He is arrived at this pitch now, and
God knows what lengths he will go to
hereafter. In the beginning of the night,
unknown to me, he ftruck ficcas, to fhow
his own zeal, and be before hand with
me, and paſſed them. At midnight he
fet on foot this difturbance. I appeal to
your judgment, what fhame and dif-
grace the news of this event will bring
upon me in the minds of my enemies
and equals, from this place to the bounds
of Hindoftan: a lofs of honor is not to
be retrieved. You have feveral times
wrote me with great affurances of friend-
ſhip, that the Engliſh troops were mine,
and under my command. The meaneſt
wretches would not have behaved as theſe
people have done. In what manner will
my troops behave to me, after feeing
theſe things? Notwithſtanding all the care
I have taken, and ſtill continue to take,
it is impoffible for me to prevent this
traitor from breeding diffentions, and
giving my life and honor to the winds.
If you are determined to countenance
him, my buſineſs is at an end; you may
then
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 219
then inveft him with the Subahſhip, and
I ſhall be contented with the continu-
ance of your friendſhip alone. If you
approve of continuing me in the Subah-
ſhip, fend orders without delay for his
difmiffion, and an enquiry into his ac-
counts. There is great danger in delay,
and it will tend to my detriment. If this
traitor is allowed the leaft occafion or op-
portunity, like a ſnake half killed, he
will never leave off his venom or inve-
teracy, but will throw every thing into
confufion, and then all your endeavors
prove ineffectual
ineffectual; there is an end
to every thing. It is now the time to
give me a definitive anfwer, and to fend
expreſs orders upon this fubject to the
gentlemen, who have been, and are the
dupes of his craft and deceit. As it was
incumbent on me, I have now told you
every thing; the reft I leave to you and
your refolutions.
will
Extract
220 A Narrative of the
Extract of a Letter from Mr. M'Gwire
to Mr. Vanfittart. Dated June 17,
THI
1761.
"THIS morning I forwarded you
a letter received laſt night from
his Excellency, and this will incloſe a-
nother, at which your furprize will not
be greater than mine was, when the
Nabob fent me advice of the treatment
he had met with this morning from the
Colonel. In my letter yeſterday, I offered
it as my opinion, either immediately to
have Ramnarain difmiffed, or to come
yourſelf to ſettle matters here, otherwife
the poor Nabob muft fall. I have not heard
any thing from the Colonel concerning
this affair; or of his motives, further
than that he expreffed himſelf yeſterday
diffatisfied with the Nabob, for fending
him word, that he would not coin the
ficcas, or read the Cootba, till the guards
were taken off the city gates. But no
doubt he will write the account of his
proceedings, and give you reafons for
his conduct. I forefaw in fome degree
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
22Ï
the bad confequences of giving fuch am-
ple powers to your commanders in chief.
Few men can brook the lofing any part
of the authority wherewith they are
vefted; and fewer ftill, who can fup-
port that authority with moderation. If
you cannot come yourſelf, as I find the
gentlemen at Madras will not ſend the
regiment, have not you the power to
recall him, and confine the Major to
military operations only? I am perfua-
ded, this * Gentoo Rajah has laid a
trap, into which the Colonel has fal-
len, by raiſing a report, that the Nabob
intended to attack the city as laſt night.
However, when the Colonel arrived at
his tents this morning, there was not
even his cuſtomary guard there; and as
there were not the leaft grounds or ap-
pearances of hoftility on his Excellency's
part, the engagement is deferred till a-
nother opportunity.
opportunity. I have fent the
Nabob word, to bear with his treatment
a few days longer till your anſwer arrives,
and not to take any hafty determination
thereon,
* Ramnarain.
222 A Narrative of the
thereon, that you will certainly bear
him through; but he apprehends daily
infults from his own people, now they
find he is infulted publickly by the Eng-
liſh, by whom they were before kept in
fome awe. If you find yourſelf unable
to carry the Nabob through his preſent
difficulties, let the Rajah be declared
Subah; and let this miferable great man
return inglorious, difgraced, and defpi-
fed to Moorfhedabad, there to enjoy a
fingle day of quiet, to which he has been
an entire ſtranger ever fince his arrival
here.
I AM told the Rajah ftruck ficcas
yeſterday in the Mint; if fo (and I ef-
teem my authority good) it is plain that
he is certain of fucceeding to the go-
vernment of this place, for he had not
permiffion from the Nabob to act in this
manner.
His Excellency's Moonſhee is juſt ar-
rived: I aſked him the purport of the
letter he wrote the Colonel. He fays
it amounted to this; "That he would
come into the Kella agreeable to appoint-
ment,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
223
ment, but that his Zemindars would not
acquiefce thereto, until our guards were
taken off of the city gates, that they
might have liberty to enter and go out
when they thought proper; that this
being granted, he would enter the Kella,
and then and there ftrike the ficcas, and
read the Cootba." But as the Nabob
will tranfmit you a copy of the letter, I
refer you to it.
I WILL now fuppofe the Nabob to
have refuſed complying with the ftrike-
ing the ficcas, and reading the Cootba,
as alledged againft him (but before this
comes to hand you will know to the
contrary, by his having previous to this
fent orders to Moorfhedabad, Dacca, &c.
to ftrike the ficcas on the 25th of this
moon, being a lucky day, and of theſe
his intentions he has wrote the King).
Was this a reaſon for the Colonel's going
armed to his tent? or has he authority
to act in this manner unnoticed? Should
he not have complained of the Nabob's
having broke his promiſe to him, that
the board might take notice of his be-
havior?
}
224
A Narrative of the
havior? May not the Nabob with juf-
tice ſay, that he has purchaſed a ſtick
to break his own head? In ſhort, Sir, it
appears plainly to me, that the board
meets with more infult from this ſtep
than the Nabob, who throws himſelf on
them for protection.
HAD the Nabob formed the defign
of forcibly taking poffeffion of the city,
could we not have had Hircarras, to
have given the earlieſt intimations of his
first motions to this proceeding, without
the Colonel's taking it for granted, and
going, with two companies of feepoys,
and a troop of horſe, to the Nabob's
tents, two gurries before the day broke?
THE Nabob continues to requeſt you
will give his letters a careful peruſal,
without ſhowing them to your Moon-
fhee."
Copy of a Letter from Mr. McGwire to
Mr. Vanfittart. Dated June 18, 1761.
"I
WROTE you laſt night to encloſe
an account from his Excellency,
fetting forth the fituation he was in, and
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
225
the conduct of the Colonel towards him.
This evening I was favored with a viſit
from the Colonel, in which he gave me
the whole account, declaring, that the
Nabob took every ſtep, he could think
of, to render the fervices he propoſed
doing him of no effect; that they had
agreed, at their laft meeting, to ftrike
the ficcas, and read the Cootba, as to--
morrow; that the Nabob was to come
into the city and live there; and that he
propoſed doing every thing, the Nabob
could wiſh, to render him eafy; and,
in confequence of this agreement, he,
as well as the Nabob, had wrote circu-
lar letters of their intentions; that he
was furprized, inſtead of finding the
Nabob refolute in this agreement, to re-
ceive a letter from him, fetting forth,
he would not come into the city, till
he had taken off the feepoy guards; and
about the fame time he received intel-
ligence, that his Excellency had a con-
fultation with his Jemmatdars; and that
he had further reaſons to believe he in-
tended to raiſe his forces, and attack
VOL. I.
е
the
226
A Narrative of the
the city; that he had taken the necef-
fary precautions, the night before, to
prevent any fuch defign taking place;
and in the morning went himſelf to ſee
the Nabob (taking with him his troop)
to let him and his forces know, that he
was not to be terrified. I obferved to
him, that the Nabob intended to keep
to his agreement; but his Jemmatdars
were averfe to it, unless they might
come in, and go out, when they thought
proper. He replied, he was ſo far from
hindering them, that he had conſented
to put fome of the Nabob's people Chow-
keys on the gate, together with his own;
that the intention of keeping thofe Chow-
keys there, was to keep out the rabble
of his army. To-morrow was the day
fixed upon for ftriking the ficcas; and
whilft the Colonel remained here, Mr.
Watts arrived with a meſſage from the
Nabob, to whom I underſtand the Co-
lonel fent him, with fome terms of ac-
commodations, as I imagine; for after
a private conference in my chamber, he
told him when he came out, to return
to
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
227
to the Nabob, and know if he would
ftrike the ficcas to-morrow.
Here you
have all I know of the matter."
Copy of a Letter from the Nabob to Co-
lonel Coote. June 15, 1761 *.
66
IT
T was agreed, that on Tueſday,
the 12th of the month Zeecada, I
fhould enter the Kella, and publiſh with
your concurrence the Cootba, and ficcas,
in the name of his facred and high Ma-
jefty; conformably thereto, I was re-
folved upon going to the Kella. The
Riffaladars and Jemmatdars, with me,
hearing of this, reprefented to me, that
from the continuance of the guards of
feepoys, at the gates of the city, their
paffing and repaffing would be obſtruct-
ed; that in the time of the Nabob Jaf-
fier Allee Cawn, and the Nabob Nafir-
ool-moolk, deceaſed, it never happened,
that Telingas had the guard of the gates
of the city, and that till thofe guards
were taken off they would not go. For
Q 2
this
*Referred to in the Nabob's and Mr. M'Gwire's
Letters.
228
A Narrative of the
this reaſon I trouble you, that it is ne-
ceffary to take off the Telingas from the
gates of the city, that I may go to the
Kella, and attend with you to the publi-
cation of the Cootba and ficcas: and theſe
people, as they defire, may have free
ingrefs and egrefs to and from me.”
JUDGING it abfolutely neceffary to
put a ſtop, as foon as poffible, to fuch
dangerous animofities, as feemed to
threaten the country with a new war,
I loft no time in laying before the coun-
cil, the repreſentation I had received of
this infult offered the Nabob, by Colo-
nel Coote, and requeſted them to apply
an effectual remedy to fuch diſorders.
The following is a copy of my letter de--
livered into council, the 26th of June.
GENTLEMEN,
"IT
TT is with the utmoſt concern I
lay before you two letters, receiv-
ed laſt night from the Nabob, contain-
ing a detail of fome late occurrences at
Patna, which ferve to fhew how much
the prefent happy tranquility of theſe
provinces
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
229
provinces is threatened by the effects of
the violent prejudices, which were taken
up
foon after the late Nabob Jaffier Al-
lee Cawn refigned his government, and
have been fo induftriouſly propagated
ever fince.
THE urgency of the prefent circum-
ftances, will not allow me time to enter
into a detail of the feveral facts, which,
when collected, will fhew the truth of
what I have above afferted; fuch a de-
tail ſhall be my next work; and I will
engage to prove, that thoſe prejudices
are the foundation of the preſent dan-
gers. But first let us endeavor, as far as
in us lies, to remedy the diforder, and
guard againſt theſe dangers.
I SAY as far as in us lies, becauſe our
future orders may perhaps be as little
regarded as our paſt. If the officers
commanding our troops had attended
to the inftructions we fent them, the
diſputes at Patna had not continued till
this time, nor been carried to fo dange-
rous a length.
RAMNA-
Q3
230
A Narrative of the
RAMNARAIN the Naib, or deputy of
that province, has been ever remarka-
ble for his capacity in the arts and in-
trigues of this country. He foon dif-
covered how many had taken up preju-
dices againſt the prefent Nabob Coffim
Allee Cawn, and who they were; he
had a long account to fettle of his three
or four
years adminiſtration; and fought,
with too much fuccefs, to engage fuch
as he knew to be already biaffed againſt
the Nabob, to ſupport him in refuſing
or evading the rendering an account of
his adminiſtration.
COMPLEAT tranflations of the Na-
bob's two letters fhall be laid before
you at our next meeting. As yet they
have paffed under no eyes but my own;
becauſe I think it highly neceffary we
ſhould conceal, as much as poffible, from
the world, the extreme ill uſage which
the Nabob has received. Thanks to his
moderation, and his entire dependence on
our juſtice and good faith, the open hof-
tilities, which ſeem to have been intend-
ed, were for that time avoided; what he
may
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 231
may
have been forced to, before now, is
a ſubject in my mind of much uneaſineſs.
THE most material circumftances of
the Nabob's letter are theſe following.
(Here follows a recital of them agreea-
ble to the contents of the letter already
entered.)
THIS, gentlemen, is the fubftance of
the Nabob's letter, dated the 16th of
June. The other, of the 17th, con-
tains the relation of a fact, yet more ſur-
priſing and alarming. (Here follows the
account of Colonel Coote's behavior, in
the Nabob's camp, as related in the Na-
bob's ſecond letter already entered.)
THIS, gentlemen, is the fact as relat-
ed in the Nabob's ſecond letter, to which
he adds a ſtrong reprefentation of the
ill effects, which fuch an affront put up-
on him, muſt have on his reputation in
all parts of India, and even among his
own people; and he concludes, with re-
quiring juſtice to be done him.
No account of this affair is yet ar-
rived from the Colonel; but along with
the Nabob's letters I received one from
Q4
Mr.
232
A Narrative of the
Mr. McGwire, dated the 17th; and a-
nother of the 18th, is juſt come to hand.
Copies of ſuch parts of theſe as relate
to this affair I have annexed hereunto;
and as I regard that gentleman always
as a member of the Board, and of the
Select Committee, I think fome regard
is to be had to his opinion upon the
ſtate of affairs on the fpot where he is,
notwithſtanding the Colonel's refufal
to be guided by, or even to reply to the
inftructions we addreffed to him and Mr.
McGwire jointly.
THAT gentleman has however tranf-
mitted me, from time to time, accounts
of what has been paffing at Patna; and
obferved to me in two or three different
letters, that he fufpected, from the ma-
ny unreaſonable applications made to the
Nabob, and from other circumſtances,
that there was a fettled and fixed defign
of bringing things to an extremity. I
muft own, that fome of the meaſures
taken here, and which ſhall be particu-
larized in the Narrative I propoſe to lay
before you, ſeemed to favor ſuch an opi-
nion;
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
233
nion; yet I could never bring myſelf to
believe, that prejudice could hurry men fo
far, as to make them careleſs of the pre-
fent happy tranquility of theſe provinces
in general, and of the Company's valua-
ble poffeffions; and defirous of putting
thefe bleffings, and the lives of thouſands
to riſk, by opening a ſcene of freſh trou-
bles, which could not fail to fucceed the
going to war with the Nabob without
reaſon, and without provifion made for
the better regulation of the government
after his death or expulfion, fuppofing
one of theſe to be the confequence of
our taking up arms against him, as it
probably would. Befides theſe reflec-
tions, another confideration prevented
my giving credit to there being really
fuch a deſign, and which indeed would
have led me to hold the defign, and the
authors, in contempt, if I could have
perfuaded myſelf ſuch did exift; I mean
the repeated orders of the Select Com-
mittee to the commanding officer of the
army to fupport and affift the Nabob,
which I thought fufficient to prevent any
bad
234
A Narrative of the
bad effects. But this affair is grown more
ferious than I could have imagined.
WHEN I Confider the frequent repre-
ſentations made to the Board, both by
Major Carnac and Colonel Coote, of the
little fervices to be expected from the
Nabob's troops; that he was incapable
even of calling an ordinary Zemindar to
account without our affiftance; when I
confider alſo, that not only the city of
Patna, but all the reft of the frontiers
of the Nabob's dominions, are and have
been defended by our troops, as Beer-
boom, Midnapoor and Chittagong, I
find it almoſt impoffible to perſuade my-
felf, the Colonel could really think the
Nabob had a defign to affault the city;
and if he could entertain fuch a thought,
he ſhould have let the Nabob begin the
affault, in which he could not poffibly
have fucceeded, and then the whole
world would have been convinced that
the Nabob was in the wrong.
BUT whatever might have been the
Colonel's defign, his fally, as related in
the Nabob's fecond letter, was fo con-
ducted,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
235
ducted, as might naturally have been
expected to produce ſome diſturbance in
the Nabob's camp, and of that the im-
mediate confequence would have been
a general engagement between two ar-
mies, which I have always regarded as
acting in concert as ftrict friends and al-
lies: I have faid, gentlemen, and I re-
peat it, that it was owing to the Nabob's
moderation, and his entire confidence in
our juſtice and good faith, that hoſtili-
ties did not immediately follow this af-
front put upon him. But as I am doubt-
ful what further meaſures may have been
purſued to this time ;
I DO therefore, in the first place, fo-
lemnly proteſt againſt thoſe whom it may
concern, for all the bad confequences
that may enfue before the directions of
the Board hereupon can reach the army;
and declare myſelf not accountable for
the blood that may be ſpilt, the diſtur-
bances that may lay wafte the country,
and the loffes which the Company in
particular may ſuſtain in their poffeffions,
by any meaſures which may be purſued
in
236
A Narrative of the
in contradiction to the orders of the Se-
lect Committee, corroborated and con-
firmed by repeated letters from myſelf
to the commanders of our army, to whom,
as well as to the Nabob, I have conti-
nually recommended reciprocal reſpect
and friendſhip; and moderation in all
differences of opinion.
AND in the next place I do propoſe,
and moſt ſtrenuouſly recommend to the
board, to come to fuch refolutions, as
may beſt tend to prevent any danger of
this unexpected kind in future; and par-
ticularly, that the charge of the army
may be given to fome officer who will
obey our orders."
THIS account of the fituation of af-
fairs at Patna being read in the council,
occafioned very ferious reflections; for
indeed there was great reafon to fear,
that as Colonel Coote had proceeded to
fo great a length againſt the Nabob, fome
other aggravation would have happen-
ed, and open hoftilities have enfued.
And as the King's departure from Patna
fome days before had made it needleſs
to
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
237
to keep fo large a force there; therefore
to prevent further diſputes with the Na-
bob, it was determined by the majority,
that Colonel Coote and Major Carnac
ſhould be ordered down to Calcutta,
leaving only four companies of infantry,
and two battalions of feepoys, under the
command of captain Carstairs, the fenior
officer of the Company's troops there,
after major Carnac; and that captain
Carftairs fhould act entirely under the
orders of Mr. M'Guire, the chief of the
factory. Meffieurs Amyatt and Ellis
gave it as their opinion, that Colonel
Coote ſhould have the choice of coming
down to Calcutta, or remaining at Patna;
but as this would not have removed the
danger which threatened the province,
from the ill-will thofe gentlemen bore
againſt the Nabob, the motion was over-
ruled by the majority, Meffieurs Van-
fittart, Sumner and Smith.
THE foregoing reprefentation of Co-
lonel's Coote's faily to the Nabob's camp
is fuch, as was immediately tranſmitted
by
238
A Narrative of the
by the Nabob. It is juft to infert the
Colonel's own account of it.
Copy of a Letter from Colonel Coote to
Mr. Vanfittart. Dated June 19, 1761.
σε
IN
N the poftfcript of my letter of the
13th inftant, I acquainted you of
the Nabob's having been with me; and
by the converſation I had with him, Ra-
jebullub and Golam Allee Cawn that
day, I had all the reaſon to expect, that
I ſhould foon have his affairs fettled to
the fatisfaction of every body, and my
own credit. I likewife informed you,
of his agreeing to proclaim the King
this day. He asked me, whether it
would not be proper for him to come
into the Kella on this occafion? I told
him, it was a very proper ſtep, and what
I had long wiſhed for, as by that means
I could be oftener with him than my
health would permit me now. Upon
which, he faid he would come in on
Wedneſday the 17th; and aſked me, if
I would pay him a vifit that day upon
his arrival? I replied, that I would with
pleaſure;
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
239
pleafure; and that I would likewiſe wait
on him the morning he intended pro-
claiming the King, receive a dreſs from
him, and proceed in public with him to
the Mofque; and told him, that as I had
wrote to all Zemindars of the country,
to come in and fettle their accounts with
him, and had promiſed to write to the
King by the Vakeel, I thought the more
public we appeared together, it would
have the greater weight in tranſacting
his affairs; on this occafion the Nabob,
and his attendants above-mentioned, ex-
preffed their fatisfaction in the ſtrongeſt
terms.
He then aſked me to have our fee-
poys taken off the gates of the city. In
anſwer I told him, it furprized me he
ſhould ſtill harp on that ſubject, as I had
before given him fufficient reaſons of
their utility; and added, that thoſe ſee-
poys were a part of his army, and under
the command of captain Robertſon, and
were therefore ready to obey his orders;
that the directions I had given captain
Robertſon were, that they ſhould ſtop
nobody
240
A Narrative of the
nobody belonging to the Nabob from
paffing and repaffing into the city, only
not to deliver the gates to an armed force
without my order, and to keep their poſt
quiet. That he had himſelf often de-
clared he had no command over his own
forces; and that it was very well known,
that thofe very forces had formerly an
intention (and were near putting it in
execution) to plunder the city; that at
this particular time I had but very few
troops with me, and therefore, for his
fecurity as well as my own, I could not
be too much on my guard. He like-
wiſe aſked me, if he ſhould bring in
ſome of his principal people to reſide
with him? I replied, by all means:
they then took their leave feemingly ve-
ry well fatisfied.
I HEARD nothing from him after-
wards till the 15th at night, when he
fent me by one of his Chubdars a let-
ter (the copy of which I now incloſe you,
together with others relative to the tranf-
actions here) requiring an immediate an-
fwer. The method of his fending the
letter,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
241
letter, and the purport of it furpriſed
me not a little, and I fent for Golam
Allee Cawn, who was then in the houſe,
to come to my room, and aſked him, if
he knew the purport of the letter I had
juſt received from the Nabob. He ſaid,
that before he left the Durbar, he heard
there was a letter to be fent; and by what
he could find, he thought a very impro-
per one after what had paffed at our laſt
meeting, and wiſhed, that the Nabob
had better advifers; I told him I wiſhed
fo too, and that I thought it muſt appear
very odd, after I had wrote that morn-
ing to the King, and that I had fent
circular letters to the Zemindars, to
come and fettle their accounts with him
as Subah, to have the ceremony of pro-
claiming the King performed, in the ca-
pital of the province, by his fervant, a
Gentoo, whilft he, a Muffulman, re-
mained in his camp in the neighbor-
hood. This affair feemed to me to be of
fuch confequence, that I defired to have
nothing more to do with meffages, but
defired to ſee himſelf next day. When
VOL. I.
R
I was
242
A Narrative of the
I was informed that the Nabob would not
come; and by intelligence, that he had
moft of his Jemmatdars in conſultation
with him; I, at night, fent to captain
Robertſon, to keep a good look out, and
fee that no mifchief was done; and I
likewife fent Hircarras into his
camp, to
obſerve what paſſed, and bring me an
account. At midnight I was acquaint-
ed, that their guards were doubled, and
a great ſtir among them. This I find,
by the following expreffion of Golam
Allee Cawn, was partly occafioned by
Coja Gregory, which he has fince dropt
in company with Mr. Watts, that he
was not afraid to tell Coja Gregory, at the
time he was ordering it, that it would
be productive of no good, and muſt
give offence to the Colonel. Next morn-
ing, in order to be better acquainted how
things went, I thought it neceffary to
go with my uſual attendants, to the Na-
bob's tent, to ſpeak with him about thoſe
matters, and finding he was not up, I
departed, leaving Mr. Watts with him,
to let him know how fenfible I was of
his
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
243
his ill treatment, having always acted the
friendly part by him; and that by theſe
proceedings, he was putting it out of
my power to ferve him: I then took
a tour round his encampment, where I
found every thing wore the appearance
of tranquility."
Extract of a Letter from Colonel Coote to
the Governor and Council. Dated Ju-
ly 17, 1761.
A
FEW hours before I left Patna, I
had the honor of your letter of
the 26th of June, together with copies
of the Nabob's and Mr. M'Gwire's let-
ters to the preſident; as alſo extracts
of the minutes of council.
As I have not been the firſt perſon,
whofe actions have been condemned un-
heard, I therefore cannot look upon it as
a particular misfortune attending me a-
lone. The Nabob's diſagreement with
me, on account of proclaiming the King,
which ſeems to be the fource of the in-
dignities fhewn me, I fhould have be-
fore now related to the Board, had I
looked
R 2
244 A Narrative of the
looked on it as an affair of
any confe-
quence to trouble them with; but as a
common occurrence, I related it in my
private correfpondence with Mr. Van-
fittart (in my letter of the 19th of June,
to which I beg leave to refer you)
whoſe weight with the Nabob, as it
feemed to me, might have been fuf-
ficient to fettle any little points of vari-
ance. But to my great furprize, the
moſt ſcandalous conftructions are put
upon all my actions, and the greateſt
falfehoods, no fooner propagated than
credited; which word has any weight,
will evidently appear by the letter be-
fore-mentioned, and what follows.
ON the 16th of June in the evening,
having had different reports brought me,
concerning the Nabob's proceedings, I
told captain Eifer, I intended paying him
a vifit next morning, to endeavor to fet-
tle matters with him; and at fupper
time, defired that gentleman to order the
troopers, and my ufual attendants, to be
ready a little after day-light. About fix
o'clock next morning, I fet out from
my
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
245
my quarters to the Nabob's (which is
about two cofs) with about twenty-five
European cavalry, and one company of
feepoys, which happened, at that time,
to be a fewer number than ufually at-
tended me, when I went upon public
vifits; and I fent Mr. Watts on before,
to let the Nabob know I was coming to
wait on him. By the time I arrived at
his tents it was near ſeven o'clock. The
Nabob I find accufes me of going, in a
violent manner, through his tents; on
the contrary, the place where I alighted
from my horſe was near the Durbar
tent, and the place where I always had
alighted; and upon feeing Mr. Watts, I
afked him where the Nabob was? Who
replied, he was afleep in his Zenana;
and as I had reaſon to fufpect from my
intelligence, the laſt twenty-four hours,
that his intentions were not the beft, I
therefore alighted, took my piftols out
of my holſters for my own fecurity (as I
feldom ride with a fword) but declare
they were not cocked; and I affirm, that
I went no further than the Durbar tent,
where
R 3
246
!
A Narrative of the
where I fat down for a little time; till,
finding the Nabob did not come, I de-
fired captain Eifer to order two troopers,
to ſee that no body of troops came in at
the back part of the tent; and I now
declare, that no one was placed on his
Zenana. As the Nabob did not come, I
went away; and for the reft of this af-
fair, I refer you to
to my
letter to the Pre-
fident.
THE Nabob further accufes me, of
having endeavored to oblige him to make
up matters with Camgar Cawn, and the
Curruckpoor Rajah. I declare, I never
mentioned them to him in any other
light than that, if he could not by any
means take them, to make up matters
with them; and that I particularly re-
fuſed to ſee their Vackeels; and never had
any correfpondence with them, but by
two letters, which I wrote them by the
Nabob's defire; copies of which have
been tranſmitted to the Prefident. With
regard to the Dinagepoor people, I was
petitioned by the fons of the late Rajah
(whoſe country had been taken from
them
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
247
them by the Nabob, after taking a nez-
zer of ten lacks of rupees) requeſting,
that I would ſpeak with the Nabob in
their behalf, and deliver their petition to
him; which was all the part I acted
in that affair. With refpect to the * Ra-
jah of Radſhay, Mr. Batfon defired I
would endeavor to ferve him with the
Nabob, as he had been fleeced by the
Royroyan, and his country taken from
him. I accordingly reprefented it to him;
fince which reprefentation, that poor
unhappy man (tho' feventy years of age)
has been tied up by the heels, and flogged
R 4
with
* It ought to be remarked, that the perſon, whoſe
ſufferings are here fo pathetically deſcribed, was not
the Rajah, but Dewan or Steward to the Raunee
of Radfhay. This country (the richeſt in Bengal)
had been put under the infpection of the officers of
the Durbar, by Jaffier Allee Cawn, who managed
the collections jointly with the Dewan. In the
fame ftate it now remained. I take notice of this,
becauſe it fhews how great the Colonel's prejudices
againſt Meer Coffim were, which could make him
fo readily fwallow every ftory told him againſt the
Nabob; fince, in the preſent inftance, it is plain,
that he really knew not who the perfon was,
whoſe cauſe he ſo zealously efpoufed.
248
A Narrative of the
!
with rattans almoſt to death.
This
fhocking piece of cruelty, not being
thought fufficient, he was put in irons,
and remained in that fituation, till Mr.
Batſon, thro' his humanity, with difficul-
ty, by his intereft, got him freed from
his ſhackles ; but the poor old man ſtill
continues a prifoner. As to Myrza Kel-
ly Allee, I never mentioned him to the
Nabob, nor has any body done it by any
authority from me. The only perfon,
whoſe intereſt I urged, was the unhappy
brother of Meer Jaffier, with whom I
was formerly acquainted, and whom I
found, on my journey to Patna, at Ra-
jemahl, ftarving with a large family. I
begged the Nabob to do ſomething for
him; and he ordered him one thouſand
rupees per month, chiefly through the
interceffion of Rajebullub, who, by my
requeſt, uſed his intereft on that occa-
fion; but that poor man has not profit-
ed by this in the leaft, having hitherto
not received a fingle rupee. As there
was a report ſpread, that the Fougedar
of Hoogly was to be turned out, Mr.
Watts
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
249
Watts mentioned, in a private diſcourſe
with Rajebullub, that if the Nabob
would give that poft to Nundcomar, it
might be the means of obliging fome
gentlemen, whoſe friendſhip might be
acceptable to him; and this was really
hinted from a friendly view towards the
Nabob.
THE public character I was in, o-
bliged me to receive petitions, and to
hear the complaints of every one. I
therefore could not do lefs than inform
the Nabob of them; but fince I found,
that any applications through me were
the fure means of hurting the poor peo-
ple who complained (the Nabob having
declared publickly, that whoever appli-
ed to the Engliſh was not his friend) I
afterwards prevented their troubling me
with their petitions."
WHETHER the Nabob's account of
this affair be confidered, or the Colonel's
own, it is a proceeding which can only
be accounted for, from the effects of a
ftrong paffion; unleſs it be prefumed
(which fo extraordinary a conduct might
juſtify)
250
A Narrative of the
juftify) that the Colonel had a further
view in this infult, to provoke the Na-
bob to fome act of defperation, in order
to have a pretence to bring about the
meaſures planned for his deftruction.
Certain it is, the Nabob, in this inftance,
had too ſtriking an example of the dan-
gers
he had to apprehend, from the vio-
lence of the party formed againſt him.
SECTION VII.
Major Carnac's Negotiations with the
King; and his Difputes with the
Board.
Major Carnac efcorts the Shahzada to the
Limits of the Province.-Two Letters
from the Major, with Copies of his Ad-
dreffes, to that Prince.-Mr. Vanfit-
tart's Remarks on them. Anfwer of
the Council to Major Carnac.-Other
Letters from Major Carnac, fhewing his
Difrefpect to the Board.-Their Orders
in Confequence.-Other Letters from
Major Carnac to the Board, with Mr.
Vanfittart's
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
251
Vanfittart's Remarks.-The Moderation
of the Board on theſe Occafions.
WH
HEN the orders for Colonel
Coote's and Major Carnac's com-
ing to Calcutta arrived at Patna, the
Major was attending the King, with a
detachment, which was directed to eſcort
him to the limits of the province. Dur-
ing this march, the Major applied to the
King for a confirmation of the Com-
pany's grants and privileges, but in a
ftile, and with expreffions, which tend-
ed to deſtroy the Company's influence,
and the effects of the fervices which they
had afforded him, by refting the whole
merit of thoſe fervices upon his own
perfon and authority. This the King
refuſed, but with the elufive pretence,
that he would grant them, whenever a
proper perſon fhould be fent with the
ufual tribute to receive them. At the
fame time, he made a voluntary offer of
the Dewannee of the three provinces to
the Company, upon the fame conditions.
I call it voluntary, becauſe it no where
appears
252 A Narrative of the
appears that it was folicited; nor had
Major Carnac any authority or orders to
follicit fuch a grant; which could have
only ferved to render the breach between
the Nabob and the Company ftill more
irreparable.
THIS is not the only inftance of Major
Carnac's eagerness to raiſe his own im-
portance above the level of his fuperi-
ors; it could only be by his advice the
King addreffed his letters, fome to the
Governor and Council jointly, but moſt
to the Council only, without the Gover-
nor. An addreſs, as contrary to the cuf
toms of India, where they have no idea
of more chiefs than one, as to the Com-
pany's eſtabliſhed order and method,
which has always been for the Governor
only, to carry on the country correfpon-
dence. The Major, although he ap-
proved of this innovation, when it lef
fened the authority of the Governor,
yet could carry on a correſpondence with
the King in his own name, and promif-
ed to continue the fame after his arrival.
in Calcutta. The fame arrogance and
felf-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
253
felf-opinion, and the fame tendency to
fubvert all the order of government,
and to keep up the ſpirit of party, appears
in many of Major Carnac's letters to the
Governor and Council; nothing could be
better calculated to that end, than his *
remarks upon the orders fent him by a
majority; and what elſe could be the de-
fign of thoſe remarks? For he could not
be ignorant, that in all councils, and
particularly in all the Company's govern-
ments, the orders of the majority are to
be reſpected as the orders of the whole
Board. It is true, that Major Carnac
was too much encouraged in theſe in-
fults, on the authority of the Board, by
fome of the members themſelves, who
not only vindicated all his opinions, but
afforded him an argument to difrefpect
their orders, by figning their diffents to
the orders themſelves, inſtead of minut-
ing them in the confultations; an inno-
vation as dangerous, as contrary to the
rules of the government they belonged
to.
* In his letter of the 29th of July, 1761, which
follows in its order.
254
A Narrative of the
to. The truth of theſe remarks on
Major Carnac's conduct, fhall be judged
of, by the following extracts from his let-
ters, and the confultations of that time.
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Select Committee. Dated June
16, 1761.
66
OU have not been pleafed, gen-
YOU
tlemen, to allow me to have any
thing to fay or do with regard to Ram-
narain; but if it depended on me, I de-
clare no confideration whatever fhould
induce me to give my conſent to remo-
ving a man, whom we are bound to
maintain by engagements prior to, and
confequently more obligatory, than any
we may have fince entered into with
Coffim Allee Cawn. I have had hints
before with regard to this unfortunate
Gentoo, to which, if I would have lift-
ened, I might probably have turned my
campaign to pretty good account; but
indifferent as my circumſtances are, I
thank God, I ſcorn enlarging them by
any
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
255
any means, that would not ſtand the
moſt public inſpection."
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Governor and Council.
June 21, 1761.
"HIS
Dated
IS Majeſty croffed the Caram-
naffa this morning. He made
fuch long marches from Saferam hither,
that it was impoffible for me to keep
pace
with him, and I was forced to leave
the army a march behind, in order to
get up
with him. Yeſterday evening, on
parting, he made me the moſt public
declaration of his particular regard for
me, and difmiffed me with every mark
of honor, that could poffibly be confer-
red on me. The accompanying is a
copy of two arzees I prefented to him
laft night, with the anſwers he wrote
in the body thereof with his own hand,
in the prefence of Meffieurs Lufhington
and Ironfide, as well as myſelf. He has
alſo wrote to you, gentlemen, with a
promife of iffuing out his royal funnud,
confirming the Company in all their
pre-
fent
256
A Narrative of the
fent poffeffions and privileges, provided
the proper peſhcufh be paid. And in
the fame letter, has made you an offer
of the Dewannee of Bengal, on condi-
tion of your being anfwerable for the
royal revenues, of which he declares,
he expects no account while Coffim Al-
lee Cawn has the management thereof.
I do not chufe to venture fending you
this letter, for fear it fhould be loft,
as I have no duplicate of it; but ac
quaint you with the purport, that you
may be enabled to anſwer his Majeſty;
which anſwer he defires may be tranf-
mitted to him as foon as poffible."
Copy of a Tranſlation of an Arzee, wrote
by Major Carnac to the King, with the
King's Anfwer fuperfcribed.
I
T is above five months fince your
Majefty honored the tents of your
faithful fervant with your preſence at
Gya; and from your gracious will and
pleaſure, and in confequence of the ad-
drefs and engagements of your ſervant
(devoted to your high and facred court)
in
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
257
in full confidence graced the Kella of
Azimabad, God is my witnefs, that from
the commencement of my ſervice, to
this time, I have never deviated, in the
moft minute circumftance, from the en-
gagement of fidelity which I made with
your Majesty, but ever heartily atten-
tive to my duty and loyal attachment,
and ready to devote my life to your wel-
fare and regarding always the ftrict ob-
ſervance of my fidelity as my chief hap-
pineſs; to the utmoſt of my power I
have obeyed your facred commands;
and you have graciouſly declared, that
you were pleaſed with the faithfulneſs
of your fervant, exalting me in honor
above the clouds. Relying on that gra-
cious difpofition, which affords a fhadow
to the higheſt and the humbleft of your
flaves, I am in hopes, that what I fhall
repreſent to you will obtain your royal
approbation. For this cauſe your fer-
vant, who is a dependent of the English
Company, humbly petitions, that your
Majefty will be pleaſed to order, that
funnuds be granted for all the zemin-
darrees
VOL. I.
S
258
A Narrative of the
darrees and factories of commerce be-
longing to the Company in the empire
of Indoftan; at Calcutta in the Subah of
Bengal and Madras, and Bombay, and
the port of Surat in the diftricts of Dec-
can. In theſe four places, which are
the principal factories of the Engliſh
Company, let the Company have the
privilege of a mint in each; and let a
funnud after the ufual form be granted
for the confirmation of the jagheer of
Colonel Clive (who is one of the ſer-
vants of the facred court, and the pa-
tron of this faithful fervant; whofe at-
tachment and devotion are notorious to
the whole empire) which to this day he
has been honored with by the royal do-
nations. And let your Majefty look up-
on this your fervant (who is a ſtranger
in theſe regions) as one of the meaneſt
of the fervants of the court, nor forget
or blot him from your remembrance ;
and to the laſt breath of my life I ſhall
ever pray, that the Almighty may make
your Majesty (whofe dignity is equal to
Solomon's) an honor and ornament to
the
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
259
the throne and everlaſting empire of In-
dia, an adminiſtrator of justice and e-
quity, and a protector of the people of
God; greater than the great King Timor;
that all the chiefs, and all the inhabi-
tants of the world, may be held in obe-
dience and fidelity by your royal cle-
mency.
Superfcribed by the King.
THE purport of the arzee is fully
underſtood. In confequenc of the faith-
ful attachment of that truſty ſervant, we
agree and conſent to it. Whenever the
petition for it is fent in form, and the
peſhcufh delivered to the royal Sircar,
the petitioned funnuds we will graciouſly
grant. Befides this, in confideration of
the fervices of that fervant, the De-
wannee of the Subah of Bengal, on con-
dition of paying the Malguzaree, accord-
ing to the former amount, and a fuita-
ble peſhcuſh ſhall be granted."
S2
Copy
260
A Narrative of the
Copy of Mr. Vanfittart's Minute, and the
Refolutions of the Board on the Major's
Letter.
"TH
HE Prefident cannot help ob-
ferving on the foregoing, that
inſtead of ſetting forth the attachment
which the Engliſh nation and the Com-
pany have always fhewn to the Mogul
government, and the fums they have ex-
pended in defeating the King's enemies,
the Major's whole thoughts are employ-
ed in expreffing his own ſervices and fi-
delity; in confideration of which he re-
quefts, that the indulgencies therein
mentioned may be granted to the Com-
pany. He has not fufficiently confider-
ed, that it is the fervices of the Nation
and the Company that ſhould be plead-
ed and recorded on all fuch occafions,
in order to increaſe their reſpect and re-
putation in foreign countries; fuch pleas
may be uſed in favor of that Nation and
Company in future times, when they
have any thing to apply for, which is a
reſpect that will not be paid to any per-
fonal
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
261
fonal fervices. And further, that all
thoſe indulgencies he has applied for,
were ordered from the Select Commit-
tee; and indeed without fuch orders, he
could not juſtify the applying for any
thing; yet he takes not the leaſt notice
of the Committee, nor the Governor
and Council; which the Prefident men-
tions as one inſtance, among many others,
of the great defire that moft of our mi-
litary officers have to conceal to the
world, that they have a dependence on
any civil power.
WITH regard to the King's offer of
the Dewannee, the Board are of opini-
on, that were the Company to accept of
it, it would only be a fource of perpe-
tual conteft and ill-will with the Nabob;
but left fuch an appointment might at
any time hereafter be thought advanta-
geous, we will for the prefent defer
coming to any refolution thereon; and
only write the King in anſwer, that we
ſhall ſoon ſend our requeſts in form."
$ 3
Copy
262
A Narrative of the
Copy of a Letter from the Governor
and Council (Meffieurs Vanfittart, A-
myatt, Ellis, Sumner and Smith) to
Major Carnac. Dated July 6, 1761.
64
WE have received your letter of
the 21ft, enclofing copy of two
requeſts you prefented to the King, with
anſwers fubfcribed by him. Thoſe an-
fwers are very indeterminate, and far
from expreffing his confent. They are
indeed no way fo favorable, as we think
we might have expected, confidering the
good faith, candor and attachment we
have fhewn him in his moft diftreffed
circumſtances; and the ſupplies of mo-
ney he has received by our influence from
the Nabob.
WE cannot help remarking upon the
ftile of your requeſts, as it may ferve
for your better guidance on future oc-
cafions. You have faid much of your
own fervices and attachment to the
King, and neglected entirely fo fair
and juſt an opportunity of fetting forth
the reputation and power of our Na-
tion, the attachment which the Com-
pany
Tranſactions in BENGAL. 263
pany has always fhewn to the Mogul
government, the fums they have ex-
pended, and the blood that has been
ſpilt in defeating the King's enemies in
different parts of India; and the parti-
cular obligations which he in perfon owes
to the government in Bengal. Such
fhould be the ftile of all public applica-
tions to foreign courts, in order that they
may ferve our nation for arguments in
all future occafions.
WITH regard to the Dewannee of thefe
provinces, the Shah's offer is as inde-
terminate as his anfwers to your requests;
and as it would be a fource of continual
jealoufies between the Nabob and the
Company, we do not think it adviſeable
to fue for it at this time."
Dated
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Governor and Council.
June 28, 1761.
"IN my laft, I mentioned my having
a letter for you from his Majefty,
relative to his confirmation of all the
Company's poffeffions and privileges; and
S 4
con-
264
A Narrative of the
containing an offer to yourſelves of the
Dewannee of Eengal; and my unwilling-
neſs to ſend a letter of fuch confequence
by the ordinary conveyance. I have
likewiſe ſeveral other letters for you from
him, fome of a public, and fome of a
private nature. For fear therefore any
inconvenience fhould refult from their
being delayed, I fhall give them in charge
to enfign Swinton, with orders to con-
vey them to you as faft as poffible, if the
Colonel will give him permiffion. I have
done every thing for the ſervice of my
mafters, that the little power you were
willing to inveft me with would admit
of my doing. I have obtained a pro-
mife from his Majefty, under his own
hand, of his royal confirmation of all
your poffeffions and privileges, provided
you pay him a proper peſhcuſh, as has
been always cuftomary, in return for
fuch grants. It refts with you, whether
or not you will be at the expence of
procuring them; if you intend it, it is
neceffary you ſhould, without loſs of
time, fend an able and trufty Gentoo,
to
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 265
to refide as your Vackeel with the court,
and bring the buſineſs to a ſpeedy iffue."
Copy of a Letter from Mr. M'Gwire,
Chief at Patna, to Major Carnac. Dat-
ed July 6, 1761.
"6
IN antwer to my requeft for leaving
two hundred rank and file, exclu-
five of the fick, Mr. Reed, by your di-
rections, has acquainted me, that you
have orders from the Colonel to include
the fick; and that if I fhould ftill be of
opinion, it is neceffary to keep up the
number of effective here, I muft write
to Calcutta for fresh orders, which will
arrive before your departure, as you can-
not execute your orders, for returning,
in leſs than twenty days.
THE Colonel, you acquaint me, has
ſent orders to Safaram, for captain Hart
to return directly; and you have, as I un-
derſtand, fent the like to captain Cham-
pion, from whence it may be preſumed,
they will arrive here in about fix days.
In the mean time, preparations may be
made for their embarking, and what is
to
266
A Narrative of the
to detain them afterwards, I am at a lofs
to find out.
HOWEVER, Sir, that I may execute
my orders, without lofs of time, I re-
queft you will deliver over the command,
ordered to remain here, to captain Car-
ſtairs; they may be ſelected hereafter
and as his Excellency is defirous of
coming into the city, you will order the
centries at the gates to be taken off.
I AM further to requeft, an old batta-
lion may be left me in the room of the
feepoys, commanded by captain Stibbert,
as they are at preſent unfit for immedi-
ate ſervice."
1
Copy of Major Carnac's Anſwer to the
foregoing Letter. Dated July 6, 1761.
A
S the Board neither have, nor in-
deed have they the power to put
me under your directions, I am not ac-
countable to you for my proceedings
here; nor are you to preſcribe the time,
that may be requifite, for getting every
thing ready for the tranfporting that part
of the army, which I am to take down
with
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
267
you are
with me. Of this you will allow me to
be as good a judge as yourſelf, eſpecial-
ly as there are two or three things to be
done, before we ſet out, which
probably unacquainted with; both a ge-
neral muſter, and general court martial,
to be held, which muſt employ a few
days. You may be affured, however,
no time fhall be loft, as I am as impa-
tient to get away from Patna, as you
can be to have me away; but, in the
interim, I will deliver over the command
to no one.
COSSIM ALLEE CAWN may come into
the Kella when he pleafes; and I will
be anſwerable for the fecurity of his per-
fon, but I will not take off the guards
that have been fo long pofted at the
gates. Were that armed rabble about
him to have free ingrefs and egreſs, ſome
quarrel would inevitably happen between
them and our people; which, as well as
any accident happening to the city, I
will endeavor to prevent, during my
continuance in it.
I THINK
268
A Narrative of the
I THINK captain Stibbert's battalion
full good enough for any fervice they can
be employed on, at this ſeaſon of the year;
and as they have been all along appro-
priated for the uſe of your factory, I
fhall certainly include them in the two
thouſand ſeepoys, directed to be left with
you, unleſs I receive orders from the
gentlemen below to the contrary."
Copy of a Letter from the Board (Mef.
Vanfittart, Amyatt, Sumner, and
Smith) to Major Carnac. July 14, 1761.
66
E have received a letter from
WE
Mr. McGwire, dated the 6th
inftant, accompanied with a copy of your
letter to him of the fame date.
WE defire to know by what autho-
rity you have kept the command of the
army at Patna; becauſe, either in Co-
lonel Coote or you, there is a manifeft
contempt of our order of the 26th ulti-
mo, which directed, that both you gentle-
men ſhould return to Calcutta, and that
the troops ſhould be left under the com-
mand
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
269
mand of captain Carstairs, to follow the
inftructions of Mr. M'Gwire.
THE muſtering the army, or holding
a court martial, are not fufficient rea-
fons, as both thofe fervices might be
performed in Calcutta. We would aſk
you further, whether it is poffible, that
an officer, receiving orders for leav-
ing two hundred Europeans, and two
thouſand feepoys, to affift the Nabob in
fettling the affairs at Patna, can, with-
out a manifeft intention of counteracting
our determination, underſtand, that the
fick fhall be included amongst the Eu-
ropeans, and the feepoys, left on ſervice,
to be the worſt of the army?
IT is true, that we ſhould avoid, as
much as poffible, putting an officer, en-
titled to a feat at the Board in military
affairs, under the orders of any member
of that Board, who, on fuch occafions,
would fit below him; and this regard
for your rank was one reaſon, among
others, why we did not propoſe to you
to remain at Patna, under the orders of
Mr. McGwire; however, Sir, that
you
may
270
A Narrative of the
may not think that rule invariable, you
will give us leave to inform you, that we
can, when the Company's fervice requires
it, oblige any officer, in their fervice, to
act under the directions of their Governor
or factors, at any of their fettlement.
NEITHER is it poffible the fervice
can be well conducted, on the indepen-
dent footing which you are pleaſed to
claim; witneſs your little regard to the
repreſentations of Mr. McGwire, with
reſpect to the choice of the troops to be
left at Patna, as before-mentioned, al-
though the Company's factory, and ef-
fects there, as well as the execution of
the fervice for which thofe troops are to
be left, is committed to the charge of
that gentleman.
To put an end to thefe difputes, we
direct, that on the receipt of this letter,
you give over the command of the ar-
my to captain Carftairs, with orders to
follow the directions of Mr. McGwire,
to whom we have given the neceffary
inſtructions concerning the draughting
of
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
271
of the troops to be kept at Patna, and
the embarkation of the reft for Calcutta.
AND you will repair to Calcutta your-
felf, with all convenient fpeed."
Dated
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Governor and Council.
July 7, 1761.
: C
IN
N confequence of an order from
Colonel Coote, I left the detach-
ment, with which I had the honor to
eſcort his Majefty at Safaram the 30th
of June, and arrived here the 3d of Ju-
ly; on which the Colonel reſolved to
return to Calcutta, and was preparing to
fet out on the morning of the 4th. In
the interim, he received a letter from
the Board, which only ferved to confirm
him in his reſolution, and he gave me
directions to execute their orders, which
I ſhall do with the utmoſt expedition,
being as averfe as the Colonel, from hav-
ing any hand in the buſineſs that is
likely to be carried on. I eſteem myſelf
extremely happy in being removed from
the command of the army, as I could
not
272
A Narrative of the
not have fuffered it, whilft I was at the
head thereof, to be employed on the
purpoſes for which I find it is intended,
without a direct breach of the declara-
tions I have formerly made to you in re-
gard to Ramnarain. I cannot help, on
this occafion, laying before you two pa-
ragraphs, the one extracted from your
letter to me of the 9th of February, viz.
"WE obſerve, when Colonel Cail-
laud began his march to Patna, the be-
ginning of laſt year, he had particular
inſtructions from Colonel Clive, and the
reft of the Committee, to protect Ram-
narain, in cafe of the Nabob's making
any attempt againſt his perfon or honor.
We believe fuch an injunction at this time
unneceffary, as the prefent Nabob ſeems
to be well inclined towards Ramnarain.
But ſhould it prove otherwiſe, it is our
refolution to have the fame regard to the
former engagements in his favor, as was
then defigned; and therefore direct you,
in cafe of neceffity, to protect Ramna-
rain againſt all violence and injuſtice,
that may be offered to his perfon, honor,
or
7
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
273
or fortune." The other, from your let-
ter of the 28th of April. "We ever
intended to preſerve Ramnarain in the
government of Patna; and have there-
fore recommended it to Colonel Coote,
to give him his protection in all circum-
ftances." Pray how are theſe reconcile-
able to the inftructions addreffed to Mr.
M'Gwire, of which I have ſeen a copy,
atteſted to be a true one, by the ſub-
fecretary. The force to be left at
Patna, is expreffly faid to be, "only to
affift the Nabob in fettling accounts with
Ramnarain, and the feveral Zemindars
of the Patna province." After which is
the following article. “This you (Mr.
M'Gwire) are to do in general, to the
utmoſt of your power, in fuch manner,
as he may apply to you; with reſpect to
Ramnarain, it may be neceffary to be
fomewhat more particular. Colonel
Coote is already directed to affift the Na-
bob ſo far, as to fufpend him (Ramna-
rain) from his government, until the ac-
counts are ſettled, and to put the Na-
bob's people in poffeffion of all the reve-
VOL. I.
Τ
nues.
274
A Narrative of the
This
nues.
you will conform to, and
let him be brought to an adjustment of
his accounts, by fuch meaſures, as the
Nabob fhall think proper." By this
Ramnarain is abfolutely left at the Na-
bob's mercy, and thrown out of that
protection, which he has hitherto all a-
lông received from the English, and the
continuation whereof, he had an un-
doubted right to expect in virtue of our
engagements; and in return for the at-
tachment he has ever fhewn us. The
Prendent mentions, indeed, his having
wrote to the Nabob in his favor, which
may fo far have an effect, as to prevent
his daring directly to get him made away
with, but he may eaſily manage to be-
have to Ramnarain, in fuch a manner,
as to cauſe him to make away with him-
felf; which thoſe of his caſt have been
frequently known to do, when they have
happened to be dishonored; be this as
it will, the Mharajah is frightened be-
yond expreffion. He was with me the
day before yeſterday in the evening, and
repreſented, with tears in his eyes, his
furprize,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
275
furprize, at finding himſelf abandoned
by thofe, who had fo long fupported him.
He declared, that as the Colonel was
now gone, and I to follow him in a few
days, he had no longer any refuge, and
muſt inevitably fall a facrifice to his ene-
mies, if he continued here; and there-
fore requeſted, with extreme earneftneſs,
that I would let him quit the country,
and have him ſafely conducted over the
Soane. It is hard to pronounce of any
other perfon's intentions, but we may
reaſonably preſume the Nabob's defigns
cannot be very good, when he endeavors
to fecure the execution of them by the
force of bribes; I can produce proofs of
the offers he made me, provided I would
let him act as he pleaſed with regard to
Ramnarain; and few people will doubt,
that the notes which Mr. Lufhington
and I received from Rajebullub, and
which I keep by me, were ſent by the Na-
bob's approbation, if not by his imme-
diate direction. I am alfo well affured,
very large offers have been made to the
Colonel for the fame ends, but he had
T 2
too
276
A Narrative of the
too much virtue and honor to accept
them."
Copy of the Prefident's Minute of the 20th
of July, 1761.
T
HE Prefident obferves, that as
Major Carnac has nothing to do
but to obey the orders of the Board, and
has no right to question or difpute upon
them; his letters of the 7th inſtant
will require no anſwer.
IT ſeems, however, by the tenor of
many of the Major's letters, and this in
particular, that he thinks himſelf the
higher power, and the Board accounta-
ble to him. Upon this principle, after
quoting the former orders of the Select
Committee, in favor of Ramnarain, he
proceeds to demand, " Pray how are
theſe reconcileable to the inftructions
addreffed the 26th of June to Mr.
McGwire ?
ALTHOUGH the Board might do them-
felves juftice upon an officer who thus
forgets the reſpect due to them, yet we
chufe rather to refer it to the determina-
tion
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
277
tion of our honorable mafters, to whom
it fhall, at the fame time, be made ap-
pear,
that thoſe orders in Ramnarain's
favor, are now the ftrongeft judgments
that can be produced againſt him, as they
are inconteftable proofs of our defire to
protect him, although the engagements
which are ſo much talked of are no
where to be met with. It fhall be prov-
ed alſo, that thoſe who profeſs the great-
eft friendſhip for Ramnarain, and who
have permitted, if not encouraged him,
in refufing or evading, for five months
together, to render any account of his
adminiſtration, are in effect his greateſt
enemies, by putting it out of our power
to protect him longer in fo fhameful an
injuftice, in which he has already been
upheld, until he had well near carried
his point, that of bringing the Nabob
to ruin, by a difgraceful refidence at
Patna, at an immoderate expence, with-
out any income from the province. This,
it is imagined, will hardly be faid to be
the intent of the fuppofed engagements;
and therefore, if any have made Ram-
T 3
narain
278
A Narrative of the
narain believe the meaning of them would
be fo far ſtretched, it is they that are the
cauſe of his tears; and it is they that
muſt anſwer for his unhappy death, if
he ſhould deſtroy himſelf, as Major Car-
nac feems to apprehend. It is, howe-
ver, more than probable, that he will
not prove quite fo defperate; and that
when he is convinced he is not indepen-
dent of the Subah of Moorfhedabad,
he will do what he ought to have done
five months ago; that is, render to the
Nabob an account of his adminiftration,
and in fuch cafe he will be treated bet-
ter than he pretends to expect, better a
great deal than he deſerves.
He has yet hopes, that Major Carnac
may keep the command of the
army. A
delay of twenty days, and Colonel Coote's
coming down to Calcutta, might produce
freſh orders. A man of Ramnarain's
difpofition, will conftrue fuch a poffibili-
ty into a certainty; and while he can
hope for fuch a protection at the head of
our army, he will continue to think he
has a right to an unlimited protection,
and
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
279
༡
and continue to evade rendering the Na-
bob any accounts.
MAJOR Carnac declares himſelf
very
freely on this occafion, and gives at the
fame time a freſh inſtance of the reſpect
he has for our authority. This paffage
of his letter of the 17th is worthy the
obfervation of the Board, as well as of
our honorable mafters, who feldom write
to their Prefidents and Councils with fo
great an air of fuperiority. "I eſteem
myfelf extremely happy in being remov-
ed from the command of the army, as
I could not have fuffered it, whilft I was
at the head thereof, to be employed on
the purpoſes for which I find it is in-
tended, without a direct breach of the
declarations I have formerly made to you
in regard to Ramnarain.
>>
Ir more inftances of a like nature are
wanting, they may be feen in many of
the Major's letters; particularly in one
to the Select Committee, dated the 16th
of June, 1761. "His own opinion and
declarations fhall be the rule of his ac-
tions, and ſhall fuperfede the orders of
T 4
the
280 A Narrative of the
the Board." If our declarations had
merited a ſmall part of his attention,
Ramnarain would not have been deceiv-
ed fo long. The repeated orders of the
Select Committee for obliging him to
ſettle accounts with the Nabob, ſhew,
that it was never our intention to ſcreen
him from that juſt demand; the firſt of
thoſe orders was in a letter to the Major,
ſo long ago as the 7th of March, 1761.
It is true, we did not fix a day for Ram-
narain's rendering his accounts, which
is a proof of the regard the Board have
ſhewn him, and of the moderation with
which they have acted throughout the
whole affair.
WEEK after week, we expected to
hear that the accounts had been laid be-
fore the Nabob; inſtead of that, excuſe
came upon excufe. At length, on the
17th of May, we fent the Colonel par-
ticular directions in what manner to
have the accounts fettled; that Ramna-
rain ſhould be regarded as the deputy of
the government of Moorfhedabad; that
he ſhould give the Nabob a faithful ac-
count
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
281
count of his outſtanding balances, and
the Nabob fend his own people to col-
lect them. Who would have imagined,
that after this, fresh evafions would be
admitted for two months more, not-
withſtanding the Nabob's entreaties and
repreſentations of the ruin, in which he
muſt foon be involved, by his ufelefs ex-
pences?
THE Prefident wrote more than once
to Ramnarain, in confequence of the re-
folutions of the Secret Committee, that
our protection would depend upon his
rendering a juſt account to the Nabob;
but he is lately adviſed by Mr. McGwire,
that Ramnarain, inftead of collecting
his revenues in a regular manner, has
taken, or rather accepted from the Ze-
mindars, large fums by way of preſents,
which not being brought to account,
makes their balances appear much larger
than they really are, and his own as
much leſs. An unwillingneſs to confefs
this fraudulent attempt, feems to be the
true cauſe of his feeking fo many ſhifts
and evafions.
MUCH
282
A Narrative of the
Muen more fhall be faid on this
fubject hereafter, in order to prove to
our honorable mafters, that the refolu-
tions lately taken by the Board (or as
Major Carnac politely expreffes it, the
bufinefs that is likely to be carried on)
were abfolutely neceffary for preferving
the preſent tranquility, for maintaining
the conftitution of the government of
theſe provinces, and fulfilling, on our
part, the treaty fubfifting between the
Company and the Nabob, as he has fo
faithfully done on his."
Extract of a Letter from Major Carnac
to the Governor and Council. Dated
July 29, 1761.
INSTEAD of meeting your thanks,
as I imagined, for the great dili-
gence with which I executed your or
ders, I received, to my great furprize,
a letter of cenfure from you, dated the
14th inftant; but it gives me the leſs
concern, as I perceive fo few have fub-
fcribed their affent thereto.
I HAVE
Tranſactions in BENGAL.
283
I HAVE nothing further at preſent to
obſerve to you, but that you can never
oblige a gentleman to do what he thinks
unjuſt and unreaſonable, fo long as he
has it in his option to quit the ſervice;
and it is a fortunate circumftance we
have this in our power, in a part of the
world where, by reafon of the extreme
diſtance from redreſs, we are expoſed to
fuch frequent ill treatment, as I in par-
ticular have experienced; and from no
other demerit, that I am confcious of,
but having been impolite enough to de-
clare my diſapprobation of the late mea-
fures; yet in this I am not fingular, as
I verily believe, if the whole Board could
be affembled (as in affairs of fuch impor-
tance it ſeems abfolutely requifite that
they ſhould, or at leaſt their opinions be
collected) the half, if not the majority,
would be found to concur with me in
fentiment.”
Extract
284 A Narrative of the
Extract of Mr. Vanfittart's Minute of
the 3d of Auguft, 1761.
4
"THE
"THE Prefident begs leave to ob-
ſerve on reading Major Carnac's
letter, that he mentioned to Mr. Ellis
fome time ago, that his figning his dif
ſent to any letter from the Board, is nei-
ther cuſtomary nor proper; that the re-
folutions of the majority of the Board
are to be deemed the refolutions of the
Board, and to be figned as fuch by the
whole Board; that any member, who
diffents from the opinion of the majo-
rity, is to enter his diffent, and his rea-
fons, upon the body of the confulta-
tions; that the figning diffents in the
letters is improper; becauſe it makes
known to the world the different opini-
ons of the members; by which means
it
may be the cauſe of promoting a mif-
underſtanding; and it alſo expoſes the
Board to remarks, fuch as Major Car-
nac has not failed to take the occafion
of making.
THE
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 285
THE Prefident further obferves, that
he apprehends Major Carnac has not
confined his remarks on the opinions of
the feveral members of the Board to his
anſwers to our letters, but has made
them known even to the Shah: and this
he takes to be the reaſon, why the eight
letters laid before the Board are addreffed
ſome to the Council of Calcutta only,
and others to the Governor and Council
jointly. The King could not have ad-
dreffed his letters thus, from any cuſtom
or principles of his own, becauſe in all
parts of the Mogul empire, they never
know or correſpond with but one chief;
and all other forms of government they
will regard as a weakneſs, of which they
will endeavor to take advantage, as is
the Shah's defign in the prefent cafe;
and it is no doubt, in conformity to this
ſyſtem of the country government, that
the Company have made it a rule in all
their fettlements, that the country cor-
refpondence ſhould be carried on through
the channel of the Governor alone.”
Extract
286 A Narrative of the
Extract of the Tranflation of a Letter
from Major Carnac to the King.
HE letters, which you fome
TH
time ago was pleaſed to honor
the Council with on certain affairs, were
not fent, for want of a trufty perſon to
be charged with them. On my arrival
at Patna, I found Colonel Coote was
preparing to fet out for Calcutta ; I
therefore delivered them to him, who
will carry them fafe to the Council, who
will be greatly honored by the receipt
thereof. The Colonel will, with his
whole heart and foul, exert all his power
and influence that your royal orders may
be complied with, and ſpeedily fend moſt
reſpectful arzees in anfwer thereto from
the Council. At this writing your fer-
vant is preparing to fet out for Calcutta
in a day or two; and by the help of
God will, in conjunction with the Co-
lonel, exert his utmost to have every
thing accompliſhed agreeable to your
Majeſty's orders. I will not delay to
acquaint your Majeſty of what
may be
determined
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
287
determined on by the Colonel's and my
advice."
Extract of Mr. Vanfittart's Minute of the
22d of September, 1761.
66
WITH
ITH refpect to withdrawing
Major Carnac from the com-
mand of the army, reaſons were given
at the time the refolutions were taken
on the confultation of the 29th of June,
and the fame reaſons ftill fubfift, for
Major Carnac declared, no longer ago
than laſt Thurſday, at the Select Com-
mittee, that he would be the judge of
what orders he might receive from the
Board. The Preſident obferves, that no
férvice can be carried on, where there is
more than one authority; if an officer is
to be the judge of the orders he receives
from the Board, the execution of thoſe
orders will depend on his judgment, and
not on the judgment of the Board."
Copy
288
A Narrative of the.
Copy of Major Carnac's Anfwer to the
foregoing.
HE Prefident has been pleaſed
TH
to alledge, in juftification of his
having recalled the Major from the com-
mand of the forces at Patna, the Major's
inveterate hatred againſt the Nabob, and
his declaration, that he would be the
judge of the orders he received. For
the anſwer to the firft, he refers to his
letter which he now delivers in; and
with refpect to the other, he begs leave
to obferve, that he is truly concerned
orders of fuch a nature have been given,
as to oblige him to make that declara-
tion, and to repeat now to the Board,
that he had rather incur the charge of
difobedience, than bring diſhonor upon
the nation, and difgrace upon himſelf
and the forces under his command."
SUCH repeated inſults from an officer
to the Governor and Council, under
whoſe orders and authority he held his
commiffion, highly merited fome pub-
lic cenfure, and the world may be fur-
prized
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
289
prized that he eſcaped it. The ſame
majority of the Board, who gave the
orders to Major Carnac, and who were
thus infulted, might, and in juſtice ought
to have difmiffed him from the Company's
ſervice; but we forbore making uſe of the
power which was in our own hands;
and referred it to the Court of Directors,
to take fuch notice of thefe proceed-
ings, as might prevent the like diſorders
in future. On this and all occafions it
will be found, that I have chofen the
moſt moderate meaſures, and particu-
larly avoided fhewing any marks of re-
fentment againſt thoſe who had vio-
lently oppofed me; judging this to be
the moſt likely method of abating the
rage of party.
VOL. I.
U
SEC-
290
A Narrative of the
SECTION VIII.
Mr. Ellis's Appointment to the Chief-
ſhip of Patna; and his Diſputes with
the Nabob.
Mr. Ellis fucceeds to the Chieffhip of Pat-
na.-His Inftructions from the Board.
-Debate upon the Inftructions.--Mr.
Ellis arrives at Patna.-He gives Or-
ders for feizing one of the Nabob's Of
ficers.-Letter from the Nabob to Mr.
Ellis, and his Anfwer.-He feizes ano-
ther Officer of the Government, and
fends him to Calcutta.-The Nabob's
Letter to Mr. Ellis on that Subject.—
Letter from the Nabob to Mr. Van-
fittart. Mr. Ellis fends a Detachment.
of Seepoys, to fearch the Fort of Mong-
heer for Deferters. Informations
given to the Nabob upon this Proceed-
ing.-The Seepoys being refufed Admit-
tance, take Poft near the Fort, and con-
tinue there three Months. Lieutenant
Ironfide fearches the Fort, and the See-
poys are recalled.-Two Letters, giving
an
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
291
an Account of a Difpute between Mr.
Ellis and the Naib of Patna.-Many
Letters on the Subject of thefe Difputes;
and the Debates of the Board upon them.
Mr. Vanfittart's Conduct in the
Courfe of thefe Debates.-Alarms oc-
cafioned by thefe Difputés. An At-
tempt to raiſe Sufpicions against the Na-
bob.-Jealouſy on both Sides.
HAR
ARDLY had the alarm, occafion-
ed by Colonel Coote's difputes
with the Nabob at Patna fubfided, when
a * confiderable change happened in the
Council, with this additional misfor-
tune, that it brought Mr. Ellis into the
chieffhip at Patna; an event from which
I dreaded bad confequences, foreſeeing
he would fet on foot continual difputes
with the Nabob's people; and I did my
utmoſt to guard againſt this danger, by
U 2
the
* The change in the Council was occafioned by
the difmiffion of Mef. Sumner, M'Gwire, and
Playdell; and foon after Mr. Smith likewife refign-
ed, and went to Europe. In their places Mef. Car-
tier, Haftings, Johnſtone, and Hay, came into
Council.
292
A Narrative of the
the clear and explicit inftructions I pro-
poſed to be given him; and which, after
a long debate, were, approved by a majo-
rity of the Board, determined by the
cafting voice of the Prefident. The
inftructions propofed, and the opinions
given, were as follows.
Inftructions for Mr. Ellis.
"CAPTAIN Carftairs, the com-
manding officer of the troops at Patna,
is ordered to act under your directions.
The reafon for our keeping up fo confi-
derable a force there, is to be in readi-
nefs to affift the Nabob, in reducing to
obedience and good order any Zemin-
dars of his dependance, that may give him
cauſe of complaint, by withholding their
rents, fomenting diſturbances, or other-
wife. Our honorable mafters, fenfible
of the impropriety of protecting a fer-
vant againſt his mafters, and of the
bad confequences that may refult there-
from, have cautioned us very particu-
larly on that ſubject, in their laſt gene-
ral letter. We think fuch their caution
very
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
293
very judicious, and that nothing but jea-
loufy and ill-will, between the Nabob
and the Company, can be the confe-
quence of our interfering in the fupport
of any Zemindar, or other perfon hold-
ing office, grant, or authority, under
the government. It is expreffly contra-
ry to our engagements with the Nabob ;
and beſides, muft end in the ruin of the
perfon fo protected, who, prefuming on
our interpofition, throws off his refpect
to his maſter, and conſequently ſhuts up
all the ways of accommodation. Every
one that has been admitted under fuch
protection, from the beginning of Jaffier
Allee Cawn's government, may be quot-
ed as an inſtance of the truth of this ob-
fervation. We enjoin you,
We enjoin you, therefore,
not to interfere, directly or indirectly, in
any affairs of the country government,
or with the people belonging to it; but
when the Nabob applies to you for the
affiftance of any of our forces, to be fent
to any part of the country, under his
jurifdiction, for the execution of any
fervice, you are to take the opinion of
U 3
the
294
A Narrative of the
the officer commanding our troops, whe-
ther the force under his command is
fufficient for the execution of the fervice
propofed, or what part of it is requifite
to be fent. If he judges this force fuffi-
cient, you are to direct him to proceed,
and do his utmoſt for the execution of
the faid ſervice; or it the whole force is
not neceffary, to fend fuch a detachment
as he judges fufficient. But if the com-
manding officer ſhould give his opinion,
that the force, under his command, is
not fufficient for the execution of the
propofed fervice, then you are to tranf-
mit to us the moft fpeedy intelligence,
that we may fend you a reinforcement.
After the Nabob's departure from Pat-
na, you are to give the fame affiftance to
the Naib or Deputy, he may leave there,
for the management of the affairs of his
government.
Debate upon the foregoing Inftructions.
SOME of the Board being of opinion,
that Mr. Ellis ſhould have the power of
judging of the nature of the fervices, on
which
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
295
which the Nabob might requeſt the
Engliſh troops to be employed; and, in
confequence of that judgment, to com-
ply with his requeſt or not; upon which
the queſtion being put,
MR. Haftings thinks he should not
have the power, but repreſent to the
Council, if he thinks the Nabob requires
our troops upon any fervice hurtful to
the Engliſh character, as he has no con-
ception of any ſuch ſervice.
MR. Smith is of the fame opinion.
MAJOR Carnac thinks, that Mr. El-
lis fhould be a judge of the nature of
the fervice, as well as the fufficiency of
the force required for that ſervice.
MR. Amyatt thinks, that the putting
our chief at Patna, with the troops com-
mitted to his charge, under the orders
of the Nabob, is difhonorable to our
mafters, an indignity to the Board, and
an unprecedented cafe till the chief-
ſhip of Mr. McGwire; when Mr. Amy-
att diffented to it, in the proceedings of
the Select Committee the 18th of June.
The power of calling for our forces
whenever,
U 4
296
A Narrative of the
whenever, and for what fervice he pleafes,
without the chief's being allowed to
judge of the nature of thoſe ſervices,
may be attended with fuch fatal confe-
quences, that it would be the height
of imprudence to entruſt any Nabob with
it, eſpecially one who we have too much
reaſon to ſuſpect, would be glad of an
opportunity to make an ill uſe thereof,
in order to throw an odium upon us.
Mr. Amyatt cannot, therefore, ſubſcribe
to the inftructions now before the Board,
while they contain an article of fuch
dangerous tendency.
COLONEL Coote is of the fame opi-
nion with Mr. Amyatt.
THE Prefident approves of the orders
as they now ftand, being, in his opinion,
beſt calculated to prevent difputes, and
moſt agreeable to our honorable maſters
intentions."
MR. Ellis arrived at Patna, about the
middle of November, juft after the Nabob
had marched from thence for the Bouge-
poor country. Mr. Ellis's prejudices a-
gainſt the Nabob's promotion, and dif-
affection
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
297
affection to his perfon, had been too pub-
lickly expreffed, and had been made too
much the ſubject of his common con-
verfation, to eſcape the Nabob's notice
long before this period; and in effect
had greatly alarmed him, for the influ-
ence, which fuch a temper might have
on his affairs. His fufpicions were foon
confirmed by an order fent to captain
Carstairs, a very fhort time after Mr.
Ellis's arrival at Patna, to feize and im-
prifon an officer of the government,
named Munferam, on a complaint of a
Gomaftah of the factory. The Nabob
was then at Arwel, about forty miles
from Patņa, a diſtance not ſo great, but
that he might (had that reſpect been
deemed due to him) have been acquaint-
ed with the complaint, before fuch ex-
tremities were proceeded to; and nei-
ther the Company's privileges, nor the
Engliſh honor, fuffered by fuch a con-
defcenfion. Captain Carftairs, either
regarding it in this light, or, upon en-
quiry, finding the complaint of lefs con-
fequence than it had been made to ap-
+
pear
..
298
A Narrative of the
pear by the Gomaftah, evaded the ex-
ecution of this order, but acquainted the
Nabob with it, and contented himſelf
with defiring him to reprimand Munfe-
ram in the following letter, dated the
31st of January, 1762.
"I HAVE received a letter from Mr.
Ellis, the chief of the factory at Pat-
na, to this purport: "That one Mun-
feram Hircara, in the Purgunnah of
Arra, has ſtopped fome opium belong-
ing to Mr. Hay, notwithſtanding there
was a duftuck with it, and will not let
it pafs; that I must therefore take him
prifoner, and freeing the opium from
his hands, diſpatch it forwards." Re-
garding your Excellency's favors, I have
judged it not proper to impriſon Munſe-
ram; but fubmit this matter to your
Excellency; and requeſt, that you will
write a reprimand to the ſaid Munſe-
ram, and command him to releaſe the
opium. I requeſt a ſpeedy anſwer to
this addrefs, that I may write according-
ly to Mr. Ellis."
THIS
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
299
THIS forbearance of captain Carſtairs
made no difference in Mr. Ellis's inten-
tions, nor prevented the Nabob from
ſeeing to what lengths he would go on
greater provocation; nor was he long
without receiving fresh arguments for
this opinion.
A COMPLAINT having been made to
the Nabob against Mr. Gray, the Com-
pany's refident at Malda, by the Naib
of the province of Purnea; the Nabob
fent a copy of the complaint to Mr. El-
lis, and defired him to take cognizance
of it. His letter and Mr. Ellis's an-
fwer I fubjoin hereto; as nothing can
ſet the behavior and temper of each in
fo fair and just a light.
From the Nabob to Mr. Ellis. Dated
January 22, 1762.
<<
So
OME time ago you wrote to me
concerning the ill behavior of the
officers of Purnea. At this time I am
informed, by a letter from Meer Sheer
Allee Cawn, the Naib of Purnea, of
great acts of oppreffion committed by
Mr.
300
A Narrative of the
Mr. George Gray, chief of the factory
at Malda, of his feizing and impriſon-
ing the Peſhkar of Heeramun, the Ze-
mindar and Wadadar of Tajpoor, and
fending Seepoys and Europeans to pur-
chafe grain, and erect new factories in
every diſtrict of Purnea. A copy of this
letter, with a letter written by that gen-
tleman to Sheer Allee Cawn, I ſend
you
enclofed, that you may be informed of
the particulars. Since the ties of friend-
ſhip and alliance have been eſtabliſhed
between me and the English Company,
and our interefts in this country are u-
nited, if you impriſon my people in this
manner, to the ruin of my lands, and
the impoverishing of my revenues, fuch
a proceeding is very foreign from the
friendſhip and good underſtanding which
fhould fubfift between us. I defire that
you will take this affair into confidera-
tion; and, regarding our feveral con-
cerns as united, direct me how I am to
act, and it fhall be done accordingly.
When you have read Mr. Gray's letter
pleaſe to return it."
Copy
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
301
Copy of Mr. Ellis's Anfwer to the above.
Dated February 4, 1762.
το
YOU!
OUR Excellency's letter, en-
clofing a letter from Mr. George
Gray, and the copy of one from Meer
Sheer Allee Cawn, I have read with
great pleaſure, and have underſtood all
the particulars. I have before this re-
peatedly reprefented to you the com-
plaints, which have been made to me
against the Zemindars of Purnea. Now
Mr. Gray's letter has clearly proved the
infolence of the Zemindars, and the ju-
ftice of my complaints. It is fact, that
the infolence of the Zemindars and offi-
cers in every quarter exceeds all bounds,
and that the Company's bufinefs has been
entirely obftructed and ruined. It ap-
pears from Mr. Gray's letter, that he
complained to Sheer Allee Cawn twice
or thrice againſt the Zemindars; but
receiving no anſwer nor redrefs, he was
under the neceffity of taking fuch mea-
fures. At this time, a perſon in the di-
ſtricts of Mongheer having ſeized ſome
falt-
302 A Narrative of the
cutta.
falt-petre of the Company's, I have ta-
ken him prifoner, and fent him to Cal-
Of this I inform your Excel-
lency. Having learnt the contents of
Mr. Gray's letter, according to your or-
ders I fend it back inclofed.'
THE Nabob was fo much provoked
by this letter, and the fixed reſolution,
which he now plainly perceived in Mr.
Ellis, to take every occafion to affront
him, that he from this time renounced
all correfpondence with him.
THE perfon mentioned in Mr. Ellis's
letter, to have been fent a prifoner to
Calcutta, was an officer employed by the
Nabob as collector of the rents of Punch--
mahla, in the districts of Mongheer.
His name was Coja Antoon. It was
his misfortune to be an Armenian, and
an agent of Coja Gregore (an Armenian
alfo) whom the Nabob had treated with
fome marks of confidence and efteem.
He had been accuſed of purchafing five
maunds of falt-petre. For this he was
feized, and brought prifoner to the fac-
tory
*A maund is a weight of eighty pounds.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
303
tory at Patna, by a party of Seepoys
ſent from thence for that purpoſe. The
charge could not be denied, he confeffed
that he had bought the falt-petre, and
for the uſe of the Nabob. But as the
fole privilege of purchafing that article
in the Bahar province had been granted
by a perwannah from the former Na-
bob, and confirmed by the prefent to
the Company, this was deemed an in-
fringement of the Engliſh rights, equi-
valent to a robbery, and was termed fuch.
Rajah Rajebullub, the Naib of Patna,
repeatedly and earnestly follicited Mr.
Ellis's clemency in behalf of the unhap-
py delinquent; but his remonftrances
againſt this infult on the government
could not move Mr. Ellis; an example
was to be made of fuch a crime, and
fuch an offender; and he was fent down
to Calcutta, a prifoner and in irons, to
be puniſhed as he deſerved. Left how-
ever this crime fhould not have fufficient
weight, another charge was likewife dif
covered, and fent after him, viz. that
he had treated with contempt the Com-
pany's
304
A Narrative of the
pany's duftuck on a certain occafion, by
giving the perſon who carried it a cer-
tificate of the goods, having been duly
paffed by the principal chokey; and
though upon enquiry it appeared, that he
neither ſtopped the goods, nor detained
the duftuck, yet this was made ufe of
as an aggravation of his former offence,
and a freſh proof of the Nabob's diſre-
gard of our privileges, and the infolence
of Armenian authority. I wish I could
add, that the blame of this proceeding
had been confined to Mr. Ellis, nor re-
ceived a fanction from the Board. True
it is, that they declined inflicting any
puniſhment on him themſelves. By their
orders he was remanded to Patna, and
from thence (after a confinement of
three months, and a journey of above
900 miles, with all the horrors which
the profpect of an ignominious death,
or at leaſt the lofs of his ears, could give
him) was delivered over to the Nabob,
who was defired to puniſh him.
How feverely the Nabob felt the ef-
fects of this inſult, will appear from the
following
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
305
following letter, which was the laft that
he ever wrote to Mr. Ellis *.
66
γου
OUR letter I have received, you
write that, "the Company's Go-
maftahs have the free liberty of trading
every where; that it is needleſs to enu-
merate particulars; that you defire me
to write a perwannah to Sheer Allee
Cawn, to forbid his officers to ftop any
goods of the Gomaftahs in Purnea."
I HAVE juft received intelligence, that
you have fent a large force, and carried
off a collector of the government who
was at Punchmahla, in the diftricts of
Mongheer. If that perfon had com-
mitted any fault, it would have been
proper to have informed me of it, fince
my interefts and the Company's are u-
nited. It ill became you to ſeize an
officer of my government, who was in-
truſted with affairs of great confequence,
VOL. I.
X
and
* The date of this letter does not appear, but
it muſt have been wrote about the 4th or 5th of
February, and before the receipt of Mr. Ellis's to
the Nabob juft mentioned.
306
A Narrative of the
and then to defire a letter to Sheer Allee
Cawn. Since my fervants are fubjected
to fuch infults, my writing can be of no
ufe. You are the mafter, fend for any
of my officers, Zemindars, Tahfildars,
or Fougedars, where and whomfoever
you pleaſe. How much my government
and authority are weakened by theſe pro-
ceedings I cannot defcribe."
IT may not be amifs to infert in this
place, an extract of a letter which I re-
ceived from the Nabob about the time
that theſe diſputes arofe; which will ferve
to fhew, how little the Nabob was dif-
pofed to enter into fuch contefts, or to
obftruct the Company's trade or privi-
leges. It muſt be remembered, how-
ever, that we had no complaints of the
Company's buſineſs being interrupted
either at Malda, which borders on Pur-
nea, or in any other part of the coun-
try, though their name has been fo free-
ly made uſe of on this occafion. But
the truth is, every ftruggle made by the
country people against the oppreffions
and extortions of the private Engliſh Go-
maftahs,
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
307
;
maftahs, was immediately conſtrued as
an attack upon the Company's rights.
!
Extract of a Letter from the Nabob to
the Prefident. Received February 10,
1762.
66
A
T this time Mr. Ellis, the chief
of Patna, writes, that the Pur-
nea and other Fougedars moleft the Com-
pany's bufinefs. I have, therefore, wrote
expreffly to the Purnea, Fougedar, &c.
not to interrupt the Company's trade,
but always to affift them. I before wrote
to the Bengal Fougedars, and others, not
to impede the Company's bufinefs in
any refpect, and to adviſe of any
thing that came before them. I am at
a great diſtance, therefore, fhould any
thing happen, write to the Fougedars,
and others, and they will act as fhall tend
you
moſt to benefit the Company's trade,
and the buſineſs of my Subahdarree.”
THE next fubject of contention arofe
from an information given Mr. Ellis,
that two of our deferters had taken
X 2
fhelter
308
A Narrative of the
ſhelter in the fort of Mongheer, then
governed by Shujan Sing, as Naib to
Coja Gregore. Mr. Ellis applied to Ra-
ja Rajebullub, the Naib of Patna, for
an order to Shujan Sing to deliver up
the deferters, or fuffer the fort to be
ſearched for them; and contenting him-
felf with a verbal reply from Rajebullub,
that he would write to Shujan Sing up-
on the ſubject, immediately ſent a com-
pany of feepoys to ſearch the fort, and
take the deferters.
WHETHER the Rajah did actually
fend Mr. Ellis word, that he would
write to Shujan Sing, and neglected it,
or the meffenger (no uncommon practice
of Durbar attendants) had invented that
anfwer for him; certain it is, that no
fuch order was fent, nor indeed had he
any authority to fend one, the fort of
Mongheer being garrifoned by the Nabob,
and entirely independent of the Naib of
Patna. In effect, when questioned by
the Nabob on that head, he not only de-
nied his having wrote fuch an order, or
that he had ever been applied to for one,
but
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
309
but by his letters to the Nabob, at the
beginning of the affair, appears to have
been almoſt the firſt that gave notice of
it, and with expreffions of the greateſt
alarm, on account of fo violent a pro-
ceeding. He acquaints the Nabob with his
remonftrances to Mr. Ellis againſt it; his
entreaty to him, to recall the feepoys, and
that gentleman's declaration in reply,
that he would not recall the feepoys, till
the ferjeant who commanded them had
been admitted into the fort.
THESE particulars will appear from
the following letters.
Extract of a Paper of News fent to the
Nabob from Patna. Dated February
4, 1762.
ઃઃ
66
FOUR gurries before night, two
or three companies of feepoys
and Europeans, with their baggage, paffed
by land through the Kella, by the eaſtern
gate. God knows what is their defign,
and whither they are going. In confe-
quence thereof Sedderam, the Dewan of
X 3
* 'Goorg-
310
A Narrative of the
*Goorgheen Cawn, came to the Mhara-
jah; and they have been fitting together
for two hours, in clofe debate upon this
matter. The Mharajah has ſtrictly en-
joined Laal, and Rambukh, and thẹ
other Hazzarees, and the Telingas of
Goorgheen Cawn, not to admit any Eu-
ropean or Engliſh feepoy within the ci-
ty, but to be on their guard. Conform-
ably to the orders of the Mharajah, all
the Hazzarees, and the feepoys of Goorg-
heen Cawn, are on their guard."
Tranflation of a Letter from Raja Raje-
bullub to the Nabob. Copy received
in Calcutta, February 22, 1762.
66
SHUJAN
HUJAN SING, the Naib at
Mongheer, has wrote to Sedde-
ram, the Naib of Coja Goorgheen Cawn,
that fome time ago the feepoys fur-
rounded the fort; but not fucceeding,
they went to two gardens, which are
near the fort, to the northward and fouth-
ward; and from thence to Seetacoond
(which is fituated near the river) where
they
* Çoja Gregore.
+ Seepoys.
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
311
they yet remain. Shujan Sing repreſent-
ed to them, that there were no Europe-
ans in the fort, and carried two of their
own people into it, and fhewed them
every place about it; and tho' no Euro-
peans were to be found, they were not
fatisfied, but wanted to fend two fer-
jeants. But Shujan Sing apprehending
they might have fome view, would not
permit the ferjeants to enter the fort ;
this account I fent to Mr. Ellis, thro'
the means of Golaum Mahomed Cawn,
to know why they acted in this im-
proper manner; and that, at ſeveral
times, he was diſpatching many Eu-
ropeans and feepoys from Patna, to-
wards Mongheer fort; on which ac-
count the inhabitants were much terri-
fied, and had run away; that thoſe who
lived round Mongheer were driven to
great diftrefs; and the Zemindars, feeing
all this, were dilatory in paying the re-
venues; and defiring to know what were
his intentions; that it was better for him
to recall his people; and if, after en-
quiry, the Europeans fhould be in the
X 4
fort,
312
}
A Narrative of the
fort, I would get them, and deliver them
up. Mr. Ellis anfwered plainly; "Till
the ferjeants go into the fort, I will not
recall the men." I apprehend he will
ſhortly ſend more people. This I have
repreſented for your information.”
"".
Copy of a Letter from Mharajah Raje-
bullub to the Nabob. Dated March
26, 1762.
66
YOUR
OUR Excellency's perwannah,
fignifying, that formerly Mr.
Ellis wrote, and now Mr. Vanfittart has
wrote alſo, that when the company of
feepoys went towards Mongheer, I gave
a letter in the name of Shujan Sing, the
Naib of that place, for the fearch and
examination of the faid fort; that your
Excellency is amazed at this informa-
tion; that I never gave you the leaft no-
tice of this affair; and that I fhould in-
form you fully of the truth of this mat-
ter, I have received with pleaſure.
I KNOW not in truth any thing of this
affair, neither did any perſon ever de-
mand, or I write fuch a letter; had any
fuch
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
313
---
fuch demand been made, what could
have induced me to have given ſuch a
letter? Or had there been an abſolute ne-
ceffity for me, I would have firſt ac-
quainted you with the particulars, and
waited your orders upon them. This
affair is utterly falſe and untrue.'
""
Loose as the country difcipline is, it
required little fagacity in Shujan Sing to
diſcover, that it was a part of his duty,
as well as a proper caution of ſelf-ſecu-
rity, to deny the party an entrance into
the fort, which he did by fhutting the
gates, and threatening to fire upon them,
if they approached within gun-ſhot of
the walls. This was complained of as
the higheſt exceſs of infolence in Shu-
jan Sing; and the Nabob was defired to
puniſh him, for doing what he would
have deſerved to lofe his head, had he
not done.
On this weak pretence was the party
continued at Mongheer, for three months.
Mr. Ellis (fupported by the Board) in-
fiſted on their being admitted to fearch
the fort; and the Nabob, as tenaciouſly
refufed
}
314
A Narrative of the
refufed it, exclaiming all the time a-
gainft our breach of faith, and continu-
al and unprovoked acts of hoftility againſt
him. At length, yielding to my per-
fuafions, he confented, that any perfon
fent from me might fearch the fort.
This commiffion was given to lieutenant
Ironfide, who accompanied Mr. Haft-
ings on his journey to the Nabob, and
he was admitted accordingly, but found
no deferters; and upon the ftricteſt en-
quiry, as well as the declaration of a
French invalid, who was entertained in
the fort, and who obtained his diſcharge
at the fame time, had all the reafon in
the world to be convinced, that none
had ever been in it.
THE event of this enquiry being made
known to Mr. Ellis, he was obliged, by
the order of the Board, to put an end to
the diſputes; which he did by a written
order to captain Carftairs, to recall the
feepoys, in confideration of the ferjeant
(who had indeed attended lieutenant I-
ronfide) having been admitted to fearch
the fort.
IF
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
315
IF Mr. Ellis's real intention, by this
open act of hoftility, was not to provoke
the Nabob to retaliate it, it will be hard
to affign any other reaſon for fo extraor-
dinary a proceeding; and harder yet to
conceive, upon what grounds he ſhould
expect to recover the deſerters, by the
method which he profeffed to take for
that purpoſe; the fort of Mongheer be-
ing near three miles in circumference,
encompaffed by the river on two fides
of it, and a large town on the other,
and within crouded with houſes; info-
much, that five hundred men might have
been lodged within the walls when the
party first arrived, and conveyed away
without being detected in their eſcape;
or they might even have been concealed
in the fort, with almoſt an equal proba-
bility of fecurity, from any fearch that
could have been made for them in fo
wild and intricate a place.
!
BUT without fearching for the hid-
den motive of this proceeding, the con-
fequences were but too evident, in the
conviction which it gave the Nabob of
Mr.
316
A Narrative of the
Mr. Ellis's unconquerable reſolution to
create a breach between him and the
Engliſh, in the contempt which it
brought upon his government; and in
the encouragement which it gave to the
difaffected perfons about his court to con-
ſpire againſt his life, in which they had
nearly fucceeded.
I SHALL conclude this article by ob-
ferving, that though every argument was
uſed to make good the charge againſt
Shujan Sing, and the teſt it was put to
ended entirely in his favor. Yet not the
leaft fatisfaction or apology was made to
the Nabob, for the indignities which had
been offered him; on the contrary, oc-
cafion was taken, from his complaints
againſt Mr. Ellis, to lay a freſh charge
against him, of difaffection to the Com-
pany, and a diftruft of the Engliſh
honor.
WHILST this affair was in agitation
another diſpute arofe, which for brevity
I ſhall relate in the words of Rajebul-
lub, as contained in the two following
letters.
Tranfla-
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
317
Tranflation of a Letter from Mharajah
Rajebullub to the Nabob.
O-DAY a man, mounted on a
To
horſe belonging to Mr. Ellis,
chief of the English factory, was paf-
fing by the eaſtern gate into the Kella,
a Coffree, who commanded the feepoys
belonging to Goorgheen Cawn, and who
had the command of the gate, aſked the
horfeman, whom the horſe belonged to?
The man refufed to tell him the owner's
name, and gave him ill language. Up-
on this provocation, the Coffree took
hold of the horſe's bridle and ſtopt him.
The horſeman drew his dagger upon
him, which the Coffree feized and took
from him. The horfeman went to Mr.
Ellis, who fent fome feepoys to feize
and carry the Coffree before him.
On
intelligence of this, I called the feepoys
of the factory and the Coffree before me,
and enquired into the affair in prefence
of the Hircarra of the factory. It ap-
peared, that the fact was as I have re-
lated it. Afterwards ſpeaking kindly to
them,
318
A Narrative of the
them, and giving them beetle, I diſmiſſed
them. They took their leave of me, but
did not go to the factory; and not be-
ing able to fit at the gate, fix feepoys
ftationed themſelves in a fhop of the
Bazar, in the paffage which leads to
my houſe, demanding the Coffree, with
fome gold mohrs, which were plunder-
ed. I fent Golaum Mahomed Cawn to
the chief, to expoftulate with him, for
making ſuch trifles a matter of debate;
and to defire him to recall the feepoys.
He would by no means confent, but re-
plied in anger, "till the Coffree is
brought into my prefence, I will never
recall the feepoys." Since in this manner
the affairs of the government fuffer in-
dignity, and I am not impowered to do any
thing without your commands; I re-
queft you will ſpeedily favor me with
your orders upon this affair, that I may
act accordingly."
Tranflation
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 319
Tranſlation of a Letter from Mharajah
Rajebullub to the Nabob.
56
TH
HE ſubſtance of a quarrel which
happened between Mr. Ellis's
people and the Coffree belonging to
Goorgheen Cawn; and of the fix feepoys
being ſtationed at a ſhop in the Bazar,
in the way to my houſe, I have before
repreſented in an addreſs to your Excel-
lency, which you will have received.
SEVERAL times, both yeſterday and
to-day, a perfon came from the factory
to demand the Coffree. By the means
of Meer Abdoola and Golaum Maho-
med Cawn, who formerly paffed and
repaffed into the factory on buſineſs, I
returned a ſuitable anſwer. At length
the chief declared, that if the Coffree
was not fent, it would be treating him
with contempt; and if he was fent, for
one inftant only, he fhould be immedi-
ately difmiffed. To-day therefore the
Coffree was fent. The chief, enquiring
the occafion of the difference, told him,
he forgave him his offence, and at the
fame
320
A Narrative of the
ſame time diſmiſſfed him, and withdrawing
the feepoys, called them home. At pre-
ſent there are no feepoys at this place.”
THESE, and fuch like diſputes; be-
came, at length, almoft the only fub-
ject of the letters, which paffed between
me and the Nabob; of theſe I fhall
pro-
duce one or two by way of example, to-
gether with Mr. Ellis's own letters, and
fome extracts from the conſultations up-
on the fame facts.
Copy of a Letter from Mr. Ellis to the
Governor and Council. Dated Janua-
ry 26, 1762.
"FROM the late frequent interrup-
tions given to our bufinefs, I am
neceffitated to acquaint you of the ge-
neral difregard fhewn to the Engliſh duf-
tucks throughout the country, but more
particularly fo in thoſe parts where the
Armenians have any influence.
IN purſuance of our honorable maf-
ters orders, per Lord Mansfield, a quan-
tity of turmerick was purchaſed near
Mow, which when ready I fent a duf-
tuck
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
321
tuck for, but to little purpoſe; for Coja
Antoon (the priſoner fent to Calcutta) de-
clared it of no effect; and had the info-
lence to give one himſelf under the feal
of one Coja Gregory, alias Goorgheen
Cawn, an Armenian, which I have now
the honor to inclofe you. Upon my aſk-
ing him, how he dared prefume to give
a duftuck for the Company's goods? He
replied, "to prevent their being ſtop-
ped, which mine would not have done,
becauſe we are not fufficiently known.
I HAVE frequently complained to the
Nabob of theſe infolences, and have
conſtantly received evafive and diffatif-
factory anſwers; once, indeed, on a re-
preſentation made him at the inſtance of
Mr. George Gray, he fent me a letter
for Meer Sheer Allee, the Purnea Naib,
which he informed me, was an order to
give every affiſtance to the gentleman re-
fiding at Malda; but I find it proved of
no effect, as I fuppofe Mr. Gray has al-
ready acquainted you.
MR. Howit has had two boats, with
a duftuck, ſtopped in the Purnea coun-
VOL. I.
Y
try,
322
A Narrative of the
try, for near three months; and there:
are many more, on different parts of the
river, in the fame fituation. This difre-
gard of the duftuck, may be attended
with the worst confequences to the Com
pany's buſineſs, as well as private mer-
chants; I therefore fubmit it to your
determination, whether (fince the Na-
bob ſeems to allow of it) it would be
moſt eligible for us to puniſh ſeverely
any who may impede the carriage of
merchandize, having an Engliſh duftuck."
Extract of a Letter from the Chief and
Council at Patna (Mef. Ellis, Luſh-
ington, and Howit) to the Governor
and Council. January 28, 1762.
46
SOM
OME days ago Mr. Smith, be-
ing at Mow, informed the chief
from thence of one Coja Antoon, an
Armenian, having ſeized five maunds of
falt-petre, and fent it to Mongheer; in
confequence of which, a party of fee-
poys was detached to bring the Armeni-
an prifoner to this factory. On being
examined, he acknowledged the fact, as
likewife
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
323
likewife the inclofed letter, in anfwer to
one which our gomaſtah wrote to him
on the fubject.
HAVING not the leaft profpect of any
redrefs from the Nabob for this contempt.
of the perwannah, we have thought pro-
per to fend the Armenian under a guard
to Calcutta; not doubting, but that you
will cauſe ſuch a puniſhment to be in-
flicted on him, as may deter others from
the like practices in future."
Extract of a Confultation, held at Cal-
cutta the 11th of February, 1762
(Prefent Mef. Vanfittart, Amyatt,
Johnſtone and Hay).
COJA
YOJA ANTOON, an Armeni-
an, born at Delly, refiding at
Mulky, on behalf of Sedderam, the Na-
ib of Coja Gregory (who rents eight
gauts in that part of the country) hav-
ing been feized and fent down by the
chief and council at Patna, for having
prefumed to give a duftuck for goods
belonging to the Company, which had
before their own proper duftuck; like-
wife
Y 2
324
A Narrative of the
wife for taking from the Company's *
Nunneas five maunds of petre; being
brought before the Board, was fhewn
the duſtuck which he gave with the
goods, and the letter he wrote to our
gomaſtah, regarding the five maunds of
falt-petre, and aſked, whether he wrote
them, and what were his reafons for fo
doing?
COJA ANTOON acknowledges the
duftuck and letter to have been wrote
by him; and declares, that he did not
tear or take away the Company's duf-
tuck, but only took a copy of it, and
returned it with a duftuck, under the
feal of Sedderam, to enable the goods
to paſs the gauts belonging to Sedderam;
that it was always the cuftom to do fo,
and that he did the fame with the Na-
bob's. With regard to the petre, he
fays, a Nunnea, belonging to the Sircar,
came from the oppofite fide of the river,
in order to purchaſe ten rupees worth of
petre; that he thereupon fent for one of
the Company's Nunneas, and defired
* The people who work the falt-petre,
him
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
325
him to let the other have the petre; to
which he readily confented; that as ſoon
as the petre was obtained, he fent the
Nunnea, belonging to the Sircar, with
the falt-petre acroſs the river, accompa-
nied by one of his own fervants, to pre-
vent his being ſtopped.
THE Board being of opinion, that
upon the whole, Coja Antoon has taken
upon himſelf an authority which he has
no right to; and it being requifite, that
he be made an example of, to prevent
others from the like practices in future ;
but as he is a fervant of the govern-
ment's, it properly belonging to the Na-
bob to chaftife him :
AGREED he be fent to Patna under a
guard, and that the gentlemen there de-
liver him to the Nabob with a letter,
which the Prefident is defired to write
to him, infifting upon his puniſhing Co-
ja Antoon in a public manner, to pre-
vent others from carrying the petre out
of the country, and calling our duftucks
in queſtion; and we defire the gentle-
Y 3.
men
326
A Narrative of the
men at Patna, to inform us particularly
what puniſhment he inflicts upon him.”
¿
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Ellis to
the Governor and Council. Dated Fe-
bruary 13, 1762.
66
A
Company of feepoys was detach-
ed down the river, in queft of
deferters; of which I apprized Rajebul-
lub, and defired an order for the fer-
jeant of the party to be admitted to
fearch the fort of Mongheer. This he
affured me was fent down; but the fer-
jeant, on his arrival near Mongheer, hav-
ing diſpatched a meffenger to defire ad-
mittance, received an anſwer from one
Shujan Sing (Coja Gregory's deputy)
that if he did not keep out of the reach
of his guns, he would fire on him; and,
at the fame time, he posted all his peo-
ple round the walls; upon which the
ferjeant, who had pofitive orders to give
no offence to any perſon whatever, went
about two cofs off, where he remains,
with his party, in the utmoſt diſtreſs for
provifion, Shujan Sing having forbid
any
Tranfactions in BENGAL. 327
any to be fold them. I have not yet or-
dered them back, becauſe there is certain
advice of four of our deferters being
concealed in Mongheer fort. This, gen-
tlemen, is another inftance of Armeni-
an infolence.”
Tranflation of a Letter from the Nabob
to the Governor. Conf. February 22,
1762.
HIS day, which is the 19th of
THIS
the month Rejub, I have heard
by a letter from Shujan Sing, Naib of
the fort of Mongheer, and from the ad-
vices of my Hircarras, that two or three
companies of feepoys were fent out by
Mr. Ellis, the chief of the factory at Pat-
na, on the report of fome foldiers who
had deferted from the factory, to the eaſt
of Patna; who accordingly arrived on
a fudden, near the fort of Mongheer,
and marched against it, but finding the
gates fhut, they furrounded the fort.
The Naib of the place faftened all the
gates, and fat within in fear of his life
and honor. I am ignorant what provo-
Y 4
cation
328
A Narrative of the
De-
cation has induced the gentleman to ſend
feepoys to attack the fort of Mongheer.
I have ever regarded the folemn and fa-
cred obligations of the treaty,, which
fubfifts between us; and have, in no in-
ſtance, failed in any of the duties of
friendſhip. But why you, gentlemen,
in defiance of the treaty, ſhould thus
commit hoftilities against my fort, and
my fervants, I cannot conceive.
pending on your juftice, and the incli-
nation which you have ſhewn to befriend
me, in all my affairs, in conformity
with the treaty, I have wrote you of
this affair, and fend you the advices a-
bove-mentioned for your information. I
am here taking fuch meaſures for regu
lating the concerns of this quarter, as
you might approve of, and have ſtation-
ed men in the forts and tannahs. If this
is contrary to your inclination, intimate
it to me, that they may be recalled.
What neceffity was there to fend an
armed force againſt my people? What-
ever you judge adviſeable and proper on
this occafion, do you determine, and in-
form
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
329
form me, that I, who regard your fa-
tisfaction, beyond every other confider-
ation, may act agreeably thereto. The
diſgrace which my authority has fuffer-
ed, is beyond deſcription.
P. S. MR. Ellis having wrote to me,
and requeſted a perwannah to Sheer Allee
Cawn, not to ftop any goods; I have at
this time received advice, that for a
trifling cauſe, that gentleman has dif-
graced and carried away Coja Antoon,
the Aumil of Punchmala Perganah, in
the juriſdiction of Mongheer, a priſoner
to the factory. The anfwer, which on
this occafion I wrote to him, I fend you
incloſed, and defire you will read it."
Tranflation of a Letter from Rajebullub
to the Nabob.
6
THIS day being Sunday, the 27th
of the month Jemmady-ul-fany,
at noon, Bya Sedderam, the Peſhkar of
Coja Goorgheen Cawn, came and ac-
quainted me, that Coja Antoon, an
Armenian, who is one of his (Goorg-
heen
330
A Narrative of the
heen Cawn's) kinſmen, and appointed
by him to the charge of the affairs of
Punchmala, &c. in the districts of Mong-
heer, was feized and carried away by a-
bout four hundred Europeans and fee-
poys in the Engliſh fervice, who were
diſpatched to that place. The affair is
this. It was reported, that he had bought
a fmall quantity of falt-petre, which he
was accuſed of having plundered from
the factory. I was going to fend Golaum
Mahomed Cawn to enquire into this
affair; when Bya Sedderam again ſent
me word, that they had brought Coja
Antoon to the factory. Accordingly, I
fent Golaum Mahomed Cawn to Mr.
Ellis, the chief of the factory, to repre-
fent to him, that Coja Antoon was a
man of credit, and entrusted with affairs
of great confequence under the
govern-
ment; and that to treat him in fo vio-
lent a manner was improper; that if he
would fend him to me (which was pro-
per) I would examine him. But this he
would by no means confent to; but re-
plied, that the man had done great pre-
judice
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
33
judice to the buſineſs of the factory, and
that he would put him in irons, and
fend him to Calcutta. I again fent
word, that he ought to fend the faid
Coja to me; and if Mr. Ellis had any
claim upon him, it ſhould be debated
before him. He answered, "I will
neither releaſe him, nor ſend him to you,
but he ſhall not be ill treated." I have
wrote this for your information, and
wait your orders regarding this affair."
Copy of a Letter from Shujan Sing to
Dewan Sedderam.
THIS day, being the 13th of the
month Rejub, in the afternoon,
a company of Engliſh troops arrived and
encamped first at Suffiabad; about two
hours afterwards, leaving Suffiabad, they
entered Mongheer by the road of the Ba
zar, and paffing near the eaftern gate, came
at once into the garden, which is a gun-
fhot to the north of the fort, in a trea-
cherous and defigning manner, and there
pitched their tents. As I was upon my
guard in the fort, they could not fur-
prize
332
A Narrative of the
prize it, but went into the garden, and
placed guards around the fort. Their de-
fign is certainly to deal treacherouſly by
us, though what their motives are cannot
be known, nor have they declared them-
felves. As their force is fmall, they
have wrote to their chief, that the fort
is fo well fecured, that they cannot at-
tack it; but if a reinforcement be fent
them they will ftorm it. For this rea-
fon I write to you to acquaint you, that
there is no danger from one or two com-
panies; but if the chief of the factory
at Patna ſhould fend a large force to
their affiftance, it will not be in my
power to oppoſe them. We are but one
hundred new raiſed burkundaffes, with
the feepoys and peons which belong to
the garrison, and are ready to facrifice
ourfelves to the fervice of our mafters.
As you are in the place of my com-
mander, I requeſt you will diſpatch two
or three hundred good men ſpeedily by
water to my affiftance. I fhall do my
duty, but you know that I have but a
few
Tranfactions in BENGAL.
333
few men with me, and I before repre-
fented this to you. I requeſt a ſpeedy
anfwer, and a ſupply of three or four
thouſand bullets, and fome lead. If the
latter arrives I can make bullets. What
happens hereafter I will adviſe
you
of."
END of the FIRST VOLUME.
DUPL
A 543801
0